Manila – The Department of Tourism (DOT) hosted the first Philippine Tourism Awards on September 8 to honor individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the growth of the Philippine tourism industry. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the awards ceremony aimed to recognize those who have raised the bar for Philippine tourism and promoted the excellence of Filipino hospitality globally.

During the ceremony, 17 organizations were honored with the Tourism Pillar Awards for building the foundation of the tourism industry and maintaining excellence for decades. In addition, 30 pioneering individuals were recognized for their contributions, with three of them receiving posthumous awards. The Special Pillar of Excellence Awards were given to Philippine Airlines, The Manila Hotel, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, and the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism. These institutions were highly praised for their historical and innovative roles in advancing Philippine tourism.

The awards were divided into two main categories: the Tourism Industry Awards and the Tourism Product Awards. In the Tourism Industry Awards, GMA 7's "Pinas Sarap" won the Travel Show award, "Lost Juan" won the Travel Vlog award, and Erwin Mascariñas received the Tourism Journalist award.

Additionally, Southwest Tours Boracay, Inc. won in the Tourist Land Transport Operator category, while Make A Difference For Social Tourism, Inc. received the award for the Tour Operator category. The Philippine International Convention Center was honored in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Venue category, and Greenleaf Hotel Gensan won in the Hotel category.

In the Tourism Product Awards, The Farm at San Benito was recognized in the Wellness category, and the City of Cebu won in the ESL (English as a Second Language) category. Cities and Provinces that contributed to the revitalization of local tourism were also spotlighted. Puerto Princesa received the award for the Cruise Destination category, and Santa Cruz won for the Food/Culinary Destination category.

Isabela de Basilan was honored in the Cultural category, Las Piñas in the Arts category, and Manila in the Religious category. The Province of Camiguin was named the best Ecotourism Destination, Bolinao as the best City Destination, Sipalay as the best City Destination, and the Province of Bohol as the best Province Destination.

Furthermore, Cebu Pacific Air and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts received the Tourism Industry Excellence Awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

The awardees were selected through a rigorous judging process by a diverse panel of judges, including the general public, industry experts, and government officials. The Department of Tourism plans to continue to identify and support those who demonstrate innovation and excellence for the sustained growth and development of the Philippine tourism industry. Secretary Frasco emphasized, "This awards ceremony is a significant event that showcases the potential and infinite possibilities of the Philippine tourism industry." She added, "Through everyone's efforts and cooperation, the Philippines will continue to grow into a world-class tourism hub."

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