VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | CEBU CITY, Cebu — New business prospects, stronger partnerships among Philippine island destinations, and opportunities for local enterprises were among the objectives highlighted by the 2026 World’s Best Island (WBI) Travel and Trade Expo, which Cebu businessman and philanthropist Blake Nelson Go said contributed to efforts to promote economic development under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Go expressed support for Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro’s initiative to host the three-day event, which concluded on October 25, 2026, at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Area. The expo brought together tourism stakeholders, travel professionals, businesses, and potential investors.
He said gatherings of this kind could help encourage investments, generate livelihood opportunities, and strengthen cooperation among Philippine destinations, complementing broader efforts to expand economic activity and create jobs.
“The expo created opportunities for businesses and communities by bringing destinations and industry stakeholders together. Gov. Baricuatro’s initiative showed how local efforts could support economic development and complement the national government’s objectives under President Marcos,” Go said.
Organized through the Cebu Provincial Government and its Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (CPTO), the expo carried the theme “Beyond Paradise: Connecting Islands, Creating Opportunities.” It focused on expanding markets, strengthening inter-island connections, and encouraging sustainable development.
The provincial government welcomed guests, speakers, and delegates at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on October 23. It also thanked the Palawan Tourism Council and the Provincial Government of Palawan for choosing Cebu as the venue for the gathering.
The expo provided an opportunity for industry participants to explore potential business collaborations and discuss ways to strengthen connections among Philippine island destinations.
Gov. Baricuatro highlighted the importance of cooperation in expanding opportunities for local communities and businesses.
“By connecting our island destinations and strengthening our partnerships, we can reach wider markets, encourage investments, and create more opportunities for our people. Working together allows us to showcase the Philippines while ensuring that development brings meaningful benefits to our communities,” Baricuatro said.
Go noted that the benefits of increased visitor activity could extend to hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers, and small businesses. He also pointed to the importance of accessibility and cooperation between government and the private sector in translating opportunities into economic gains.
Blake Nelson Go is a Cebu businessman and philanthropist involved in the aviation sector who has supported efforts to promote tourism and improve connectivity, both of which play important roles in linking destinations and facilitating business and travel.
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 Travel and Trade Expo, which Cebu businessman and philanthropist Blake Nelson Go said contributed to efforts to promote economic development under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.){kind=link}