Zamboanga City hosts key travel and tour operators who are here for the Familiarization Tour 2026, a tourism program aimed to showcase the cultural and tourism destinations of Zamboanga and Isabela in Basilan.

Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in partnership with the Department of Tourism-9, the activity dubbed TPB Membership Program: TPB Members’ Familiarization Tours is slated May 4 to 8, 2026 and is participated by some 40 TPB members and travel and tour operators from across the country.

In a courtesy visit to City Hall Tuesday, May 5, Mayor Khymer Olaso warmly welcomed the delegates, highlighting the city’s continuous efforts to make Zamboanga City a tourism destination in this part of the country.

During the meeting, Mayor Olaso presented his future tourism projects for Zamboanga City and invited the delegates to return in October 2026 for the celebration of Hermosa Festival (Fiesta Pilar).

The TPB-DOT initiative allows tourism partners to personally experience the region’s historical landmarks, island destinations, local cuisine, vibrant communities, and cultural heritage, promoting Zamboanga Peninsula as a tourism destination.

The visit also served as a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange among tourism stakeholders and industry partners aimed at strengthening tourism promotion efforts in the region. (Sheyn Arambala) (photo creduts: Miljohn Mancao)