MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ participation in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London is seen to strengthen linkages with the European travel market, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) said.

The marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would spearhead the participation of the Philippines in the WTM on Nov. 7 to 9 in London.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo will lead the Philippine delegation, accompanied by over 30 local companies from the different segments of the industry, which include hotels and resorts, airlines, tour operators and travel agencies.

According to the TPB, WTM London provides a venue for local stakeholders to strengthen their network with industry counterparts in Europe, as well as other travel and tourism markets from the rest of the world.

“TPB is confident that the Philippines’ participation in WTM 2016 will help sustain the growth momentum of the country’s tourism industry,” the agency said.

WTM London is considered a leading global event where travel industry players can meet industry professionals and conduct business deals. With its industry networks and global reach, WTM is seen to create personal and business opportunities for global market players.

TPB said the Philippine pavilion would highlight the greatest offerings of the country, including its natural wonders and world-class facilities.

Aside from conducting business deals, the Philippines will also be spreading awareness about the island-group least known to foreign tourists, Mindanao, through a mini fashion show during the event.

“The show will intricately look into the rich canvass of Mindanao culture, as featured on weaves, ethnic tribes and beautiful vistas with a fusion of music, video, dance and neo-ethnic fashions from the atelier of noted Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud, an icon in Philippine fashion scene who creates ethnic clothes with international appeal,” the TPB said.

This year’s WTM London will also be a venue for a Ministers’ Summit organized in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (WTO) to discuss safe and seamless travel.

Tourism Ministers from over 50 countries and leaders from the private sector companies and associations will participate in the event.

The 10th edition of the Minister Summit to be held on Nov. 9 will address the major safety and security challenges faced by the tourism sector, and discuss ways of cooperation and effective crisis preparedness and management.

“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework,” UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said in a statement.