DOT holds first Philippine Tourism Awards, honors industry pioneers and enterprises

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the first Philippine Tourism Awards on Monday, recognizing individuals, enterprises, and destinations that have played key roles in shaping the country’s tourism sector.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the awardees had “raised the standards” of the industry and embodied the spirit of Filipino hospitality. “All of you here are being honored because you have raised the standards of our industry and proven that Filipino hospitality is our gift to the world,” she said during the ceremony.

Seventeen enterprises received Tourism Pillar Awards for laying the foundation of Philippine tourism and sustaining excellence through decades of service. Thirty individuals were honored as pioneers, with three receiving posthumous recognition for their contributions. Special Pillar Excellence Awards were also given to Philippine Airlines, The Manila Hotel, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, and the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism.

The awards covered a wide range of categories, including destinations, operators, enterprises, and individuals. Among the recognized were Baguio Country Club, Apo View Hotel, and Taal Vista Hotel for long-standing service; Pinas Sarap (GMA 7) for travel show; Lost Juan for travel vlog; and Erwin Mascariñas for tourism journalism. Cebu Pacific Air and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts received the Tourism Industry Excellence Awards.

Destinations were also honored for their unique offerings: Puerto Princesa for cruise tourism, Santa Cruz in Laguna for gastronomy, Isabela de Basilan for living cultures, Las Piñas for arts, Manila for faith-based tourism, Camiguin’s Mantigue Island for eco-tourism, Bolinao as best municipality destination, Sipalay as best city destination, and Bohol as best province tourism destination.

Frasco said the nominees and winners were selected through a rigorous process involving experts, consumers, and industry leaders from both the public and private sectors. She added that the awards aim to celebrate achievements while setting benchmarks for excellence in Philippine tourism.