World Travel Expo Year 9 officially kicks off at Space, One Ayala [Runs Oct 17-19]
The SPACE at One Ayala was filled with travel enthusiasts and travel sector participants as the World Travel Expo Year 9 officially kicked off its activities on October 17, 2025. The much-awaited event once again gathered the country’s passionate travel community — from industry leaders and tourism advocates to adventure seekers and storytellers — for three days of discovery, connection, and celebration of the ever-evolving world of travel.
Event Organizer Mildred Caballero, Managing Director of AD Asia Events Group, welcomed guests with heartfelt appreciation and reflection on how far the event has come.
“Each year, the World Travel Expo grows not just in size, but in meaning, because of all of you who continue to believe in what this event stands for,” she said.
She emphasized that the Expo’s essence goes beyond physical exhibits and visual grandeur.
“The World Travel Expo has always been more than booths, banners, or rooms — it is about people, the stories we share, and the joy we find when we explore beyond what is familiar,” Caballero added.
Highlighting the synergy between place and purpose, Caballero shared how the venue itself mirrors the energy of the travel community.
“Being here in Makati, a city that shines with energy, innovation, and creativity, reminds us how travel brings light to our dreams and movement to our goals.”
Her message resonated with the crowd of exhibitors, partners, and travel enthusiasts who filled the hall for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“It is not just about where you go — it is about what you find along the way,” Caballero continued. “Your trust and collaboration keep this journey alive. Every journey brings us closer to beauty, connection, and purpose.”
Following her remarks, Department of Tourism Officer-in-Charge for Market Development Dr. Azucena C. Pallugna also delivered an inspiring speech, expressing the government’s continued support for the industry and the event.
“It is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome all of you to the 9th edition of the World Travel Expo,” Dr. Pallugna began, noting her delight at seeing a wide range of local tourism offerings. “I was walking around earlier looking at some of the packages and I’m so happy that we see a lot of our tourism destinations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.”
She extended warm congratulations to the organizers for uniting the travel community under one roof.
“On behalf of the Department of Tourism, allow me to extend our warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation to AD Asia Events Group, especially Ms. Mildred Caballero, for her visionary leadership in bringing together this community of travel professionals, tour guides, storytellers, and explorers — or traveler like me,” she said.
A seasoned traveler herself, Dr. Pallugna shared her personal connection to tourism.
“It’s not only I’m working with the Department of Tourism, but I’m also a traveler. I travel a lot. I travel not for work, but for leisure, for fun, and for experience,” she said, recalling, “I surfed in Siargao. So I started that project in Siargao sometime in 1994 or 1995. So we started a surfing competition.”
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She also highlighted how the event supports the country’s growing tourism efforts.
“This travel show helps us promote our destinations. And since this is a world travel show, it also promotes our cruise tourism program,” she shared. “Next year, we will have Costa Cruises home porting in the Philippines.”
Dr. Pallugna further emphasized the industry’s continued growth and the world’s admiration for Filipino hospitality.
“Our travel industry is really developing and we are adapting to be more digital conscious. The world loves the Philippines. And together we continue to nurture our tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and proudly Filipino,” she said.
As the event commenced, both leaders’ words captured the heart of what the World Travel Expo represents — connection, creativity, and community.
Now in its ninth year, the World Travel Expo remains a trusted platform for travelers and businesses alike, featuring exclusive airfare and hotel packages, cultural showcases, local and international exhibitors, and interactive experiences designed to inspire every kind of traveler.
Organized by AD Asia Events Group OPC, the Expo continues to connect people, ideas, and opportunities within the growing tourism industry.
Caballero closed her message with an invitation that echoed the event’s theme and spirit.
“Let us discover beauty. Let us explore freely. Let us make this journey unforgettable together.”
