A travel and tourism fair of the most modern expressway in the country has drawn large crowds at the Glorietta 4 Activity Center in Makati, attracting various stakeholders of the travel and tourism sectors recently.

Billed “Tara Na Sa Norte” Tourism and Travel Fair, organized and showcased by the NLEX Corporation, just concluded its 10th year of showcasing an array of products stemming from rich culture and heritage of provinces in North and Central Luzon. The fair also featured in living color tourist destinations in the provinces.

Newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Marie Venus Tan cited that “key to a successful travel and tourism program is modern and efficient transport infrastructure.” She added that the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) “have strengthened the potential of North Luzon regions in tourism where provision of goods and services are made faster and more convenient.”

“Travelling has become a way to connect communities and individuals, and tollways have contributed much to greater mobility which, in turn, drives sustainable and community-driven tourism development and promotions,” remarked Roberto Bontia, NLEX Corporation senior vice president for toll operations and technology management.

Bontia also affirmed that through the 10 years of “Tara Na Sa Norte,” the NLEX Corporation has integrated tourism in the tollway firm’s advocacy playing its role well as “government’s major partner of the government for sustainable socio-economic development.”

NLEX Corporation AVP for Marketing Ms. Grace Ayento, Ayala Malls Operations Head for Luzon Mall Charmaine Bauzon, and Glorietta Malls General Manager Mitch Dumlao also graced the event.

Apart from exclusive deals and promotional rates to tourist spots in North Philippines, recreational activities from corporate exhibitors, raffle draws, arts and cultural shows were made available to the public.

Organized by the NLEX Corporation, the builder and concessionaire of the 90-km NLEXand the 94-km SCTEX, this year’s travel and tourism fair highlightedNorth and Central Luzon as the major Philippine tourism hub that has drawn an increasing number of local and foreign tourists over the past several years.