Tour packages rolled out to boost MIMAROPA tourism

PALAWAN — The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is positioning MIMAROPA as a “destination of choice” through sustainable tourism initiatives highlighted at the 16th Regional Tourism Fair (RTF), which opened to the public in Puerto Princesa City on Saturday.

During the launch, the TPB showcased MIMAROPA as a premier local travel destination, with Palawan—touted as the country’s “final ecological frontier”—serving as the region’s anchor attraction for its rich biodiversity.

“This province stands as a living example of what sustainable tourism can be when guided by care for nature and community,” TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said.

“From its pristine beaches to its rich biodiversity, Palawan continues to inspire us to preserve what makes our country truly extraordinary,” she added.

Puerto Princesa City Councilor Patrick Hagedorn said the fair gives the region a chance to spotlight its culture, natural assets, and heritage.

“Each of our provinces—Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan—carries a story, a character, and a charm like no other,” he said, adding that opening the fair to the public and offering affordable travel deals helps connect local products with wider tourism markets.

“This [fair] is not just an event. It is a bridge—a bridge between local products and national markets, between local culture and global visibility, and between our communities and the livelihoods that tourism supports,” Hagedorn added.

Aside from Puerto Princesa, MIMAROPA boasts other top tourist destinations, including El Nido, Coron, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Oriental Mindoro is home to Puerto Galera, while Occidental Mindoro offers the world-class diving site Apo Reef. Marinduque, an island province, features the Bathala Caves and the heritage Boac Church. Romblon, meanwhile, is known for its marble industry and pristine beaches.

Local tourism stakeholders, including hotels, airlines, and travel agencies, took part in the fair, offering discounted travel packages to domestic destinations.

“We give our tourism enterprises—from the smallest community-based operators to established resorts and travel agencies—the chance to directly engage with buyers and travelers,” Hagedorn said.

Regional tourism offices from the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao also joined to promote their local delicacies and attractions to Palaweños.

Local Palawan artisans likewise displayed their work for interested buyers.

Ahead of the public opening, the TPB held business-to-business meetings between local and national tourism players as part of the fair’s efforts to spur partnerships and expand the tourism network in MIMAROPA.

A total of 67 sellers and 52 buyers participated in the sessions, the TPB said.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News