Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

One of the expo’s highlights was the 30-minute talk of Philippine Tourism director Emma Ruth Yulo encouraging guests to travel to the Philippines.

"Our diving destinations in the Philippines are fast becoming known in the diving world, specially the ones in Siargao and La Union," shared Ms. Yulo.

She also shared photos of her recent trip to the Philippines to show that adventure travel is not only for the young, but also for the young-at-heart. Various photos showed Yulo ziplining, mountain climbing, and riding an all-terrain vehicle.

At the end of her talk, they raffled off prizes, including a round-trip ticket to the Philippines.

A freelance photographer from Somerset, NJ won.

"I’m excited to go back," Patti Murray told the Asian Journal. Murray has been to the Philippines before, when she was 18 years old and part of the USO. She remembers going to Subic and Clark, entertaining the US military troops.

"I remember the tropical beauty and the greenery. We went up north and I found some interesting jewelry. I remember the flowers and the coconut palms," Murray added, saying that she will do her research on the internet as soon as she gets home.

Some of this year’s speakers at the expo include Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler, Patricia Schultz, author of ‘1,000 Places to See Before You Die’, Globe Trekker correspondent Holly Morris, and kayaker-filmmaker Trip Jennings. Gregg Treinish and Deia Schlosberg, two of 2008 Adventurers of the Year, and Zac Sunderland, who, at 17, briefly held the record as the youngest person to sail around the world also participated.

The expo had a lot to offer prospective tourists, not just the glossy brochures of the prime destinations of their respective countries. Some offered local sweets, like the Philippines, which gave mango-rind candies (mango and tamarind) from Cebu.

Travel guru Arthur Frommer, author of Frommer’s Travel Guides, signed copies of Ask Arthur Frommer and numerous other Frommer’s travel guides after his talk where he shared some travel and vacation tips.

There were also a couple of areas where people can relax and watch, including the Global Beats Stage for cultural performances, from belly dancing to a Thai boxing demonstration, merengue or Irish dance.

To complete the atmosphere, the expo also offered visitors an opportunity to climb a rock wall, learn to scuba dive, and zoom across the show floor on an aerial zip line.

The event—dubbed as the world’s largest travel and adventure show - gathers hundreds of captivating destinations under one roof. This year, exciting travel destinations ranged from from incredible India to Thailand and South Africa and newer places like Anguilla and Montserrat.