Davao Travel Sale Breaks New Ground with Antarctic and Central Asian Destinations
For the first time in its history, the Davao Mega Travel Sale (DMTS) is bringing the world's most remote frontiers directly to Mindanao travelers. The 16th edition of this premier travel event, scheduled from February 27 to March 1 at Abreeza Mall, will feature groundbreaking packages to Antarctica and Central Asia – destinations previously considered beyond reach for many in the region.
Unprecedented Travel Opportunities
Pia Lourdes D. Partoza, former president of the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) and current DMTS exhibitor, announced these extraordinary offerings during the Wednesday Media Forum at Habi on February 10, 2026. "We have new destinations that we are going to offer," Partoza revealed. "One of the destinations we're offering is Antarctica and Central Asia. That is something new in our market."
The three-day travel extravaganza promises to be particularly exciting with participation from numerous tour operators nationwide, including three to four specialists in Antarctic expeditions. This represents a rare opportunity for Mindanao travelers to explore the world's southernmost frontier, which has traditionally been accessible primarily through operators based in Luzon or international agencies.
Central Asia: Following the Ancient Silk Road
Among the newly introduced destinations is Central Asia, the historic crossroads of civilizations along the ancient Silk Road. This region encompasses landlocked nations including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – countries offering sweeping landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges, and centuries-old Islamic architecture.
Travelers venturing to cities like Almaty or Astana in Kazakhstan can expect total travel times ranging from 14 to 20 hours, including necessary layovers. These destinations provide a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty that has been largely untapped by Filipino travelers until now.
Antarctica: The Ultimate Frontier
Even more ambitious are the Antarctica packages now available to the Mindanao market. The southernmost continent, home to the South Pole, stands as Earth's coldest region with temperatures plunging well below freezing. Nearly 98 percent of Antarctica's surface is covered by ice that contains approximately 70 percent of the world's fresh water.
Reaching this frozen frontier requires careful planning, as there are no direct flights from the Philippines to Antarctica. Most expeditions involve flights to gateway cities such as Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by travel to southern ports like Ushuaia, before boarding specialized expedition cruises. Total travel time can extend to 24 hours or more when accounting for layovers and transfers.
"Reaching Antarctica depends on the itinerary and airline schedules," Partoza explained. "Some packages include travel to the United States or South America before continuing to Antarctic departure points." She cautioned that these once-in-a-lifetime adventures can approach ₱1 million in cost, reflecting the specialized nature of polar expeditions.
Comprehensive Travel Marketplace
This year's DMTS gathers 27 exhibitors offering a comprehensive range of travel services including airlines, ocean and river cruises, hotels and resorts, and guided land tours. "We have 27 exhibitors, including hotels and resorts," Partoza confirmed, noting that several banks, including BPI, will provide flexible payment options and exclusive promotions.
"We will sell everything," she emphasized. "It is good to purchase during the three-day sale," highlighting the competitive discounts available throughout the event.
Traditional Favorites and Safety Reminders
Beyond these new frontiers, the DMTS continues to feature perennial favorites including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Vietnam. Visa-free destinations remain particularly popular due to their ease of travel and simpler requirements.
Partoza also issued important safety reminders to prospective travelers. "As much as possible, you have to be careful, and you have to know those travel agencies that you have to deal with," she advised. She urged travelers to transact only with Department of Tourism-accredited agencies and to verify business permits and credentials before making any payments.
Expanding Travel Horizons
With destinations stretching from the historic Silk Road cities of Central Asia to Antarctica's icy wilderness, this year's Davao Mega Travel Sale represents a bold expansion in travel possibilities for Mindanaoans. The inclusion of these remote destinations demonstrates how even the world's most distant frontiers are becoming increasingly accessible to Filipino travelers, particularly those in the southern Philippines who previously faced logistical challenges in accessing such specialized travel experiences.
The event signals a significant shift in the Philippine travel industry, recognizing the growing sophistication and adventurous spirit of Mindanao travelers who are now being offered opportunities that rival those available in the country's traditional travel hubs.
