NLEx holds tourism, travel fair for North Philippines

TOURISM destinations in northern Philippines are set for a big push as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corporation holds the 11thNLEX-SCTEX Tara Na Sa Norte Tourism and Travel Fair on September 27-29 in its new venue at Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The opening ceremony for this year's fair will be led by Tourism Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr., House Committee on Tourism chairperson and Laguna Third District Representative Marisol Aragones-Sampelo, Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgsoc) officer-in-charge Jojit Alcazar, Festival Mall senior vice president Jovita R. Polloso, NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, and NLEX Corporation senior vice president Romulo S. Quimbo Jr.

Aside from featuring special tour packages and regional food products and crafts, Tara Na Sa Norte will also highlight the potential of tourist sites in Central and north Luzon as the regions gear up for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in November.

More local and foreign guests are seen to explore provinces in the north especially those near the SEA Games sporting venues such as New Clark City and Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

"As a company with longstanding commitment to boost tourism in the regions, we are excited to showcase the beauty of the north as well as our seamless road network," said Bautista, noting that most of the venues for SEA Games connect to the NLEX-SCTEX and infrastructure improvements are ongoing along the expressways to better accommodate travelers and further provide safe and comfortable travel.

Over 100 exhibitors from all over the north comprising hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour organizers, and traders are expected to promote different tourism destinations, local cuisines, as well as arts and lifestyle accessories.

Visitors to the fair will also have the opportunity to learn about the trends and innovations in the tourism industry.

Mini games and fun activities presented by corporate exhibitors and exciting raffle prizes are also in store during the three-day event.

The 2019 NLEX-SCTEX Tara na sa Norte is supported by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, Ilocos and Pangasinan, Cagayan Valley Region and Central Luzon, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Retirement Authority, Maynilad, media partner Business Mirror, and venue partner Festival Mall.