Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Promotes Philippine Travel and Tourism, Leads ASEAN Showcase at the 9th Vancouver International Travel and Tour Expo

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver participated in the 9th annual Vancouver International Travel and Tour Expo (VITTE) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (VICC). Held from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in joint exhibition with the Vancouver Wedding Expo, this year's landmark event marked its 9th iteration, drawing hundreds of travel enthusiasts, industry leaders, delegates and members of the British Columbia Consular Corps to engage with nearly 200 exhibitor booths showcasing luxury resorts, international airlines, tour operators, and cruise destinations from around the globe.

Spearheaded by VIT Expo Inc. President Wayne Hansen and his spouse, Gina Hansen, the Expo celebrated nearly a decade of fostering global connections and travel exploration in the Pacific Northwest. Over its nine iterations, the Expo has become a premier gateway for international tourism, creating an interactive platform where Canadian and international travelers and tourism representatives can directly discover and showcase world-class destinations and emerging travel trends.

The day’s festivities began with an opening ceremony led by the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society (HKCS), a multi-awarded Filipino-Canadian youth choir led by Ms. Bea Correa, Founder and Executive Director, whose choral renditions of both Filipino and international songs filled the exhibition hall and set an uplifting, unifying tone for the day. The Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society in BC also enthralled Expo participants with Filipino folk dances, adorning the stage in colorful traditional Filipino wear that brought to life the rich heritage, storytelling, and rhythmic artistry of the Philippines.

Also during the Opening Ceremony, the Consuls General of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico each delivered remarks inviting Canadian and international travelers to explore their respective countries. Delivering her address, Philippine Consul General in Vancouver, Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin highlighted the Philippines’ leadership role as the 2026 Chair of ASEAN and emphasized the Philippines' dedication to advancing regional unity and sustainable tourism. Turning her focus to destination Philippines, Consul General Jamoralin extended a warm personal invitation to Winter Escapade 2027 (The Very Important Pinoy Tour Edition), taking place from February 7 to 17, 2027 in the Philippines. She detailed how this flagship 11-day tour program—organized by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada—offers a curated journey starting in Manila, expanding into custom pocket tours across Leyte, Legazpi, Siargao, Camiguin, or Bohol, and concluding in either the island paradise of El Nido or the cultural culinary havens of Iloilo and Bacolod.

Following the speeches, the Consuls General and VIP guests gathered for a photo opportunity, highlighted by the ASEAN Consuls General linking arms to perform the traditional crossed-hand ASEAN handshake pose as a symbol of regional unity and partnership.

At the heart of this year’s exposition was a showcase of Southeast Asia, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) designated as the central featured region. Reflecting the official 2026 ASEAN theme, “Navigating the Future Together,” the Consulates General of ASEAN Member States in Vancouver—representing the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam—showcased and toured each other at their respective travel and tourism booths. Their collective presence highlighted the region's biodiversity, ancient historical landmarks, sustainable eco-tourism, and warm hospitality.

The joint staging with the Vancouver Wedding Expo added a dynamic dimension to the event, creating natural synergy between long-haul travel suppliers and couples planning destination weddings or romantic honeymoons. As the event concluded, organizers Wayne and Gina Hansen expressed deep appreciation to the participating consular corps, international exhibitors, and the British Columbia public, noting that the overwhelming success of the 9th edition paves the way for an even grander 10th anniversary milestone in 2027.

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