MANILA — To help boost the tourism industry of the Philippines, various travel agencies, tourism officers, airlines, and hotel and accommodation providers are participating at the 2024 Travel Madness Expo which runs from July 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Touted as the biggest travel and trade fair of the year, it features booths of tourism and hospitality-related companies offering exclusive deals and special promos to attendees.

Marking the 11th edition of the expo and its second year of return after the pandemic, event chairwoman Maria Paz Alberto said the preparations were not easy. But to push forward the vision of being a powerhouse in travel industry, they went all in to continue the TME.

"After the challenges and restrictions brought upon by the pandemic, the desire to travel and explore the Philippines is stronger than ever," she said.

"As we kick off this 3-day travel madness event, I invite you to dream big and make those travel plans a reality; create memories that will last a lifetime. Here's to a year filled of spectacular adventures, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable moments," Alberto added.

Alberto is also the president of Travel Innovators Inc., the organizer of TME. She shared that she had to help some companies put up their booths through her own money.

Additionally, she stressed that if people went into a "revenge travel" mode in 2023, the tourism industry is more relaxed this year.

Among those who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Franco, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and other notable travel officers.

Asia's Got Talent Season 2 finalist and "human beatbox" Neil Llanes also graced the event to entertain the audience.