10/06/2026
DREAMS EXPANDED. OPPORTUNITIES CREATED. โ
International Travel Trade Expo (ITTE) Chairperson and PTAA Executive Vice-President, Ms. Evelyn Bondagjy Closes the PTAA ITTE Travel Tour Expo VisMin Edition at the SMX Convention Center in Davao
[READ THE FULL SPEECH HERE] โฌ
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored sponsors and exhibitors, distinguished VIPs, industry partners, colleagues, and dear friendsโ
As I look around this hall, I do not see the end of a successful expo.
I see something far more meaningful.
I see relationships forged. Opportunities created. Dreams expanded. I see people who dared to believe that when we come together, we become stronger than any challenge and greater than any destination.
Today, this expo closes its doors.
But something much bigger has just opened.
To our sponsorsโyou did more than support an event. You invested in a vision. You planted a flag for progress. You believed in a bridge long before others could see where it would lead. For your trust, courage, and generosity, we are deeply grateful.
To our exhibitors and delegatesโyou brought life to this gathering. You filled this hall with ideas, innovation, and hope. You proved that tourism is not merely an industry; it is a force that creates livelihoods, empowers communities, and brings people together.
To our honored VIPsโyour presence was more than ceremonial. It was a powerful affirmation that this mission matters. Your support inspired confidence and reminded us that the future we envision is one worth building.
Today, we say goodbye to this expo floor.
But we are not leaving empty-handed.
We leave carrying new friendships, new partnerships, new opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Because this is not the final chapter.
This is the turning of a page.
And written boldly across that fresh page are three powerful words:
Visayas. Mindanao. Unity.
These are not merely places on a map.
They are people. Communities. Aspirations.
They are a promise that we will continue to connect islands, build bridges, create opportunities, and grow together as one tourism family.
This is not a closing ceremony.
This is a launching pad.
The beginning of a new chapter in the history of our associationโa chapter where collaboration rises above competition, where partnerships endure beyond seasons, and where growth is shared by all.
Before we conclude, allow me to express our heartfelt gratitude to those whose support made this event possible.
To our ever-supportive Department of Tourism leadersโRegional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, and Regional Director Dr. Grlena Asis-Dimpasโthank you for believing in this vision and for championing tourism development across our regions.
To our valued partners: BPI, the Department of Tourism Region XI, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Philippine Airlines, the City Government of Davao, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, PAGCOR, Go Negosyo, and our official venue partner, SMX Convention Center Lanangโthank you for walking this journey with us.
To our partner association, DTAA, led by Mr. Guian Carlo Caguiat; to our TTE/iTTE Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr. Marigel Tankiang-Manotok; to our Co-Chair and PTAA President, Mr. Jaison Yang; to our organizing committee colleagues; and to our hardworking Secretariat under the leadership of our General Manager, Tansโthis achievement belongs to all of you.
And finally, to every person in this exhibition hall:
Thank you for believing.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for helping write this remarkable chapter.
The expo may be ending, but the journey continues.
May we leave inspired by what we have accomplished and energized by what we will build together.
So let us move forward with pride in our hearts, purpose in our steps, and unity as our guide.
Thank you very much.
Mabuhay ang Turismo!
Mabuhay ang Visayas!
Mabuhay ang Mindanao!
Mabuhay tayong lahat!"
