Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was recognized as the World Tourism Icon of the Year by the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.
The award was conferred to Frasco, noting her relentless efforts in showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world, fostering cultural exchange, sustainable tourism and economic growth.
“You have shaped the tourism of the Philippines on the global stage and have served a new standard for excellence in the global tourism landscape.”
“Indeed you have shaped the tourism of the Philippines on the global stage and has served a new standard for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” GTBA newly-appointed president Michelle Taylan said.
In her speech, the tourism chief expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the GTBA for their continuous partnership with the DOT.
“I accept it not for myself, but for all of the officials of the Department of Tourism, our attached agencies, and our tourism stakeholders who have had this collective drive to elevate Philippine tourism to the place, the rightful place that it deserves in Asia and the world,” the tourism head said.
Frasco also led the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected 2025 GTBA Board of Trustees:
1. President – Michelle Taylan
2. Vice President – Virgie Migrino
3. Secretary – Miles Bermudez
4. Business Developer – Tess Cuan
5. Treasurer – Flora Caberte
6. Auditor – Lani Cruz
7. Public Relations Officer – Elaine Garcia De Rueda
“We are grateful for all the work that you have consistently done in partnering with the Department of Tourism in all of the programs and projects.”
“I express our heartfelt congratulations to the newly inducted officers of the GTBA. We are grateful for all the work that you have consistently done in partnering with the Department of Tourism in all of the programs and projects that we have instituted not only to continue what has always been done, but rather to innovate and to expand,” Frasco said.
“In the ever changing landscape of tourism and in an increasingly competitive tourism sphere, it is incumbent upon us, both government and the private sector to always ensure that we do justice to the assets that we have been given naturally as well as to the products and destinations that perhaps may have not yet been given the opportunity to be highlighted on a global sphere,” she added.
Joining Frasco during the ceremony were DOT Undersecretaries Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretaries Czarina Zara-Loyola and Ronald Conopio, and Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado.
The event was likewise attended by Malaysia Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Indonesia Ambassador Argus Widjojo, and Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis.
