CARAGA — The Department of Tourism Region XIII brought Caraga’s hidden gems to the Central Philippines Tourism Expo on June 27, 2026, staging dynamic B2B sessions and product presentations that invited the CALABARZON market to explore beyond the region’s world‑famous waves. The event transformed business networking into a powerful invitation to fall in love with Caraga’s deeper stories.
A Business Matching Hub
Private tourism stakeholders from Caraga sat face‑to‑face with CALABARZON‑based enterprises inside the Ayala Malls Solenad in Nuvali. Tour operators such as UNLTD Siargao and Kanaway Package Tour Services led the charge, packaging the region’s eco‑tourism and cultural sites for a broader audience. The sessions focused on building year‑round travel circuits that extend well beyond the surf season.
The B2B format allowed both regions to design collaborative packages that combine Caraga’s natural wonders with CALABARZON’s strong outbound travel market. Negotiations centered on competitive rates, seamless logistics, and authentic community‑based experiences. The room buzzed with handshakes and laughter as business deals began to take shape.
Beyond the Waves of Siargao
While Siargao remains the crown jewel of the region, Caraga’s presentation made it clear that there is more to love. The Province of Dinagat Islands emerged as a mystical destination of soaring limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and sacred caves waiting to be explored. Its raw, untouched beauty offers a sanctuary for travelers seeking solitude and spiritual renewal.
Butuan City, the historical heart of Caraga, showcased its ancient balangay boats and archaeological treasures that predate Magellan’s arrival. Tour guides painted vivid pictures of serene river cruises and unspoiled mountain trails that appeal to history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte went beyond Cloud 9 to highlight its enchanting island‑hopping routes, enchanting lagoons, and vibrant local festivals.
DOT‑13 Regional Director Ivonnie Beltran Dumadag emphasized that the region now promotes meaningful travel that sustains communities. She said the goal is for every journey to leave not just memories but also livelihoods that flourish. This message resonated deeply with the CALABARZON audience, who are increasingly seeking purposeful escapes.
National Campaign Boosts Domestic Travel
The Caraga showcase aligned perfectly with the national “Discover More to Love” campaign, formally launched at the expo by Tourism Secretary Dita Angara‑Mathay. The initiative offers over 3,000 travel deals with up to 70 percent discounts, encouraging Filipinos to explore their own country during the softer travel months. Caraga’s participation ensured the region would be top of mind for deal‑savvy travelers.
The campaign reinforces the “Love the Philippines” brand by making domestic tourism more accessible and exciting. With partnerships from major airlines and hotels, travelers can now book Caraga adventures at attractive prices. This economic incentive is expected to draw families, young professionals, and solo explorers to the region’s less‑traveled paths.
Caraga’s Call to Meaningful Travel
Director Dumadag closed the presentation with a powerful reminder that tourism is a force for good when done responsibly. Every booking supports local boatmen, guides, weavers, and small food vendors who depend on visitor spending. She invited the crowd to return to Caraga not just for the thrill but for the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.
The B2B sessions ended with concrete leads and a renewed sense of partnership between the two regions. As the expo continued, Caraga’s distinct identity as a destination of mystery, history, and genuine hospitality lingered in the minds of attendees. The road to Caraga now feels not just possible, but irresistible.
