The 4th edition of the GTBA-OneKlik Travel Sale Expo 2026 took place at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, from October 2 to 4. The event attracted 56,000 visitors across 200 booths and recorded its highest sales performance since 2023.
Organizers, Partners, and Theme
Held under the theme “Where Travel Dreams Come Alive,” the Expo was officially supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and Metrobank as the Official Bank Partner. Organizing partners included the Department of Tourism, local government units from Malay/Boracay, Aklan, Baybay Leyte, and Batanes, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the
Philippine Retirement Authority, and various foreign embassy missions such as those from Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Israel. Key tourism organizations participating included Tourism Malaysia, Taiwan Tourism Authority, and the Guam Visitors Bureau.
Dignitaries and Ambassadorial Attendance
The opening ceremony featured appearances by DFA Assistant Secretary Racquel Solano, PRA Chief Operating Officer Bob Zozobrado, ambassadors from Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Israel, including Malaysia’s Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Vietnam’s Lai Thai Binh. Additional officials present included TECO Deputy Representative Minister Michael Lee, TIEZA Assistant COO Dra. Rosanna Olgado, Metrobank Upacm Head Amabelle Nucom, DTI Halal Head Al-Mahdi Jul Ahmad, and
local chief executives such as Batanes Governor Jun Aguto Jr., Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, and Baybay Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto Butawan. Their participation represented a broad national and international commitment to inclusive tourism development.
Travel Deals and Event Highlights
Visitors accessed travel packages offering discounts of up to 75 percent during the three-day event. Entertainment included Zumba sessions, the F4 Meteor Garden Wannabe Contest, the third TSE Cosplay Competition, a themed jingle, interpretative dance performances, and a fashion show. Raffle draws and giveaways provided opportunities for attendees to win prizes such as free round-trip airline tickets, hotel accommodations, premium travel essentials, and cash awards.
Support for Local Businesses
The
exposition emphasized support for local businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. The high volume of foot traffic and record-breaking sales translated into increased revenue, greater exposure, and expanded customer networks for hundreds of local tour operators, hoteliers, travel agencies, and tourism service providers throughout the Philippines.
Michelle Taylan, Chairperson of the Travel Sale Expo, stated, “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. Our success is their success, and together, we are making travel dreams come alive for
everyone.” She added, “To every exhibitor who poured your heart into your booth; to every visitor who walked through our doors with a dream in your heart; to every partner, sponsor, and friend who stood by us — my heartfelt thanks. You made travel dreams come alive.” Taylan also noted, “We leave this expo not just with success — but with a renewed belief in what we can achieve when we stand as one. Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao — one heart, one home, one beautiful Philippines.”
Industry Collaboration and Future Plans
The GTBA-OneKlik Expo demonstrates collaboration among government agencies, local government units, foreign embassies, airlines, and
tourism organizations. Airlines partnering for the event included Philippine Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Sunlight Air, United Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. The Expo serves as a platform for integrating local tourism operators into the global travel market and contributes to economic recovery following the pandemic.
Organizers confirmed plans to hold the 5th Travel Sale Expo in 2027, aiming to expand partnerships and opportunities within the tourism industry.
