GTBA’s successful travel exchange and roadshow strengthen Brunei-Philippine travel partnerships

Close to 200 exhibitors, buyers, and sellers gathered for the B2B Global Travel Exchange and Roadshow last July 22, 2024 in Brunei. The event was organized by the Global Tourism Business Association in collaboration with One Klik Events, Association of Travel Agents Brunei, Malay Aklan-Boracay local government and BITATOA. 

The travel exchange and roadshow was conducted alongside GTBA’s second general membership assembly and 6h Founding Anniversary, with guests of honor and speakers Mr. Arturo Boncato Jr. Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts; DOT Regional Director, Ms. Sharlene Batin; Boracay Malay Mayor, Hon. Frolibar Bautista; Director Brunei Tourism Dept. Yang Mulia Dayang Salinah Binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Philippine Ambassador to Brunei, H.E. Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio; and with other several diplomats from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand,Indonesia,Vietnam and other VIP’s from Tourism and Business Industry. 

The tourism business association has been actively promoting travel within ASEAN in several other activities and forums. GTBA President Michelle Taylan said they continue to work with government and private stakeholders in and outside the Philippines to develop tourism. “We in GTBA have always stood by in assistance to the Philippine government and to the Department of Tourism in making sure tourism initiatives and targets are reached,” Taylan said in her speech. “The association also stands with the government of Brunei as a firm partner in promoting bilateral tourism. Brunei makes for an ideal go-to destination for Filipinos because of its proximity and visa-free travel requirements.”

A memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed between the Association of Travel Agents Brunei (ATAB) and the Philippines’ Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) during the event, to promote tourism between the two countries. The MoA established cooperation between the two associations’ members to expand and grow tourism traffic between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines as well as to implement programmes and activities to support the cooperation. ATAB President Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad, and GTBA President Michelle Taylan signed the agreement. Director of Tourism Development Salinah binti Haji Mohd Salleh at the event noted that Brunei Darussalam is currently targeting China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. Next year, the focus will include Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

GTBA will also hold its 2nd Travel Sale Expo and 5th B2B Travel Exchange and Roadshow on September 27-29,2024 in SM Megatrade Hall, Megamall Mandaluyong City. 

Tourism officials and stakeholders from both countries also expressed support for GTBA and its future projects.

ADVT. 

This article is brought to you by The Global Tourism Business Association.