The 4th GTBA-OneKlik Travel Sale Expo took place from October 2 to October 4, 2026, at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. The event attracted 56,000 visitors across 200 booths, posting its highest sales performance since 2023, with travel discounts reaching up to 75 percent.
Expo Focuses on Economic Recovery and SME Empowerment
The 2026 expo operated under the theme “Where Travel Dreams Come Alive.” It aimed to stimulate economic recovery and enhance collaboration within the tourism industry. A central objective was to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including tour operators, hoteliers, travel agencies, and tourism service providers, by increasing their revenue streams
and market visibility during the three-day event.
Government and International Participation Bolster Event
The expo received official backing from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and named Metrobank as the Official Bank Partner. It was jointly organized with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government units (LGUs) of Malay/Boracay, Aklan, Baybay Leyte, and Batanes. Additional support came from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
Multiple foreign diplomatic posts engaged in the event, including the embassies of Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Israel, alongside the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
International tourism partners featured Tourism Malaysia, Taiwan Tourism Authority, and the Guam Visitors Bureau. Airline partners included Philippine Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Sunlight Air, United Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.
Event Activities, Promotions, and Giveaways Drive Attendance
Visitors participated in activities such as high-energy Zumba sessions, the F4 Meteor Garden Wannabe Contest, the 3rd TSE Cosplay Competition, an interpretative dance performance, and a fashion show. Throughout the expo, raffle draws and early-bird prizes gave attendees opportunities to win free round-trip tickets, hotel stays, premium travel essentials, and cash prizes.
Official Remarks Highlight Investment in Local Communities
Michelle Taylan, TSE Chairperson, said, “Every visitor who walked through our doors didn’t just book a trip — they invested
in a local business, a community, and a shared future.” She further expressed gratitude to exhibitors, visitors, and partners who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing the social value of tourism beyond destinations.
Local Business Support and National-International Cooperation Emphasized
The expo reinforced the vital role of local SMEs in the Philippine tourism sector by generating significant sales and wide exposure. It also demonstrated broad coordination among national agencies, foreign missions, airlines, and tourism organizations, illustrating ongoing commitments to inclusive and sustainable tourism growth within the country.
