The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines launched its first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards, recognizing individuals and enterprises that have made significant contributions to the country’s tourism sector. The awards were presented to honor those who have elevated the standards of tourism in the Philippines, showcasing Filipino hospitality on the global stage.

Acknowledging Excellence in Philippine Tourism

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the importance of these awards in her speech, stressing that the honorees had not only raised the industry’s standards but also demonstrated the heart of Filipino hospitality. Frasco emphasized that the recipients of the awards have played key roles in shaping the tourism sector through their compassion, creativity, and grace, all of which exemplify the true spirit of the Philippines.

These prestigious awards include the Tourism Pillar Awards, Special Pillar Excellence Awards, and Tourism Industry Awards, which recognize both individuals and enterprises that have laid the foundation of Philippine tourism and sustained excellence over the years.

Tourism Pillar Awards: Honoring Foundational Contributions

The Tourism Pillar Awards were presented to 17 enterprises for their exceptional roles in building and sustaining the Philippine tourism industry. These companies have helped shape the sector, contributing to its growth and success over decades. The awardees include:

• Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc.
• Rajah Travel Corporation
• The Baron Travel Corporation
• Baguio Country Club Corporation
• Chali Resort and Conference Center
• Mambukal Resort (Ishiwata Bath House)
• Embassy Hotel
• Grand Astoria Hotel
• Hotel del Rio (Premier Islands Management Corporation)
• Montebello Villa Hotel
• Taal Vista Hotel
• The Boac Hotel Mabuhay Accommodation
• Apo View Hotel
• Davao Insular Hotel Co. Inc. (Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao)
• De Luxe Hotel
• The VIP Hotel

In addition to these enterprises, 30 individuals were recognized for their contributions to Philippine tourism. Among the honorees, three received posthumous awards in recognition of their lifelong dedication to the sector. The posthumous awardees were:

• Josefa Imperial Aquino
• Jaime “Jimmy” Barrientos
• Yvette Lee

Special Pillar Excellence Awards: Recognizing Historic Contributions

The Special Pillar Excellence Awards were conferred to organizations and institutions that have played transformative roles in advancing the Philippine tourism industry. The recipients included:

• Philippine Airlines
• The Manila Hotel
• Philippine Travel Agencies Association
• University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism

These entities were honored for their historic and lasting impact on tourism in the country, having pioneered efforts that shaped the sector’s trajectory and helped promote the Philippines as a global tourism destination.

Tourism Industry Awards: Celebrating Industry Achievements

The Tourism Industry Awards recognized a wide range of entities and individuals across various categories. These awards celebrate excellence in specific aspects of the tourism industry, from media contributions to tourism services. The awardees included:

• Pinas Sarap (GMA 7) – Travel Show Award
• Lost Juan – Tourism and Travel Vlog Award
• Erwin Mascariñas – Tourism Journalist Award
• Southwest Tours Boracay, Inc. – Tourist Land Transport Operator
• Make A Difference For Social Tourism, Inc. – Tour Operator
• Marang-Marang Women’s Association – Isabela De Basilan – Tourism Association
• Philippine International Convention Center – MICE Venue
• Professional Organizers Unlimited, Inc. – MICE Organizer
• Dapdap Sunset Grill – Homestay
• Puerto Pension Inn – Mabuhay Accommodation
• Resort Baguio Country Club – Resort
• Greenleaf Hotel Gensan – Hotel
• Joseph Estrada – Community Tour Guide
• Maria Lorena Guba – Regional Tour Guide
• Shauna Indra Salina Curran – Tourism Frontliner

Recognizing Tourism Products and Destinations

The Tourism Product Awards celebrated companies and destinations that have created outstanding tourism products and services. These winners represent the diversity and richness of tourism offerings across the Philippines. The honorees included:

• The Farm at San Benito – Filipino Brand of Wellness Enterprise
• Real Great English Corp. – ESL School
• City of Cebu – ESL Destination
• Ephrathah Farms Corp. – Farm Tourism Enterprise
• Ticao Island Dive and Resort – Dive Operator

In addition to products, destinations across the Philippines were recognized for their excellence in tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The destination award winners were:

• City of Puerto Princesa – Lakbay-Dagat Award (Cruise Destination)
• Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna (Ted’s Kitchen) – Salo-Salo Award (Food and Gastronomy Destination)
• Isabela de Basilan – Pamana Award (Living Cultures Destination)
• City of Las Piñas (Bamboo Organ Foundation, Inc. and the Parish of St. Joseph the Worker) – Likha Award (Arts Destination)
• City of Manila (Quiapo Church and the Traslacion Route) – Kalinaw Award (Faith-Based Destination)
• Province of Camiguin (Mantigue Island) – Best Eco-Tourism Destination
• Municipality of Bolinao – Best Municipality Tourism Destination
• City of Sipalay – Best City Tourism Destination
• Province of Bohol – Best Province Tourism Destination

Tourism Industry Excellence Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Industry Leaders

The Tourism Industry Excellence Awards were presented to Cebu Pacific Air and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, recognizing their exemplary contributions to the Philippine tourism industry. Both companies have played a critical role in advancing the sector through innovation and sustainable practices.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The winners of the Philippine Tourism Awards were selected through a thorough and transparent nomination and selection process. Industry experts, consumers, and leaders from both the public and private sectors served as judges, ensuring that the awardees truly represent the highest standards of excellence in Philippine tourism.

Conclusion: Elevating Philippine Tourism to Global Standards

The Philippine Tourism Awards serve as a vital platform for recognizing the contributions of individuals and organizations that have shaped the country’s tourism sector. By celebrating these achievements, the Department of Tourism aims to further enhance the quality of tourism services and position the Philippines as a globally competitive destination.

The awards also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to elevate Filipino hospitality and showcase the nation’s rich culture and heritage to the world.