The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and ONEKLIK Events staged the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards in early August 2026, honoring 80 individuals and organizations for their contributions to tourism. Concurrently, they launched the 4th Travel Sale Expo, a major industry event scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
Key Attendees and Award Recipients
The ceremony featured the attendance of H.E. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte delivered the keynote address and received the LGU Ambassador of the Year award. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Dita Mathay was represented by
DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who alongside DOT Undersecretary Rica Bueno, received Tourism Ambassador Awards. Ambassador of the Year recipients included H.E. Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, H.E. Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam, H.E. Thippasone Sengsourinha of Laos, H.E. Sin Saream of Cambodia, H.E. Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al-Homidi of Qatar, and H.E. Nasser Said Al Manwari of Oman.
Recipients of the Diplomatic Excellence Award were Atty. Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, and H.E. Wallace Min Gan Chow, Taiwan Ambassador to the Philippines. Media Ambassadors honored included Daily Tribune, The Manila Times, GMA News Online, Net25, SMNI, Hudyat
News, and United News. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid was named Tourism Infrastructure Ambassador of the Year. Local government officials awarded included Governor Jun Aguto of Batanes and Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan, as well as Mayors Frolibar Bautista of Malay, Carlos Cari of Baybay, and Sammy Co of Pagadian. DOT Regional Directors Krisma Rodriguez, Judy Gabato, and Catherine Agustin received tourism excellence awards. NTO Ambassadors recognized were Ana Aban from Israel Ministry of Tourism, Rick Yu from Taiwan Tourism Authority, Mohd Faizal Sharip from Tourism Malaysia, and Philip Gejon from Guam Visitors Bureau.
Award Categories and Judging Criteria
The awards covered diverse
categories including Airline Ambassadors, Hospitality Ambassadors, LGU Tourism Ambassadors, Tourism Excellence Trade Partner Ambassadors, Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassadors, and GTBA Ambassadors. A multi-sector judging panel evaluated nominees based on the depth of contribution, measurable impact, and consistent commitment to advancing tourism and national development. This framework underscored the awards’ focus on fostering Filipino hospitality and shared prosperity through tourism.
Travel Sale Expo Partnership and Features
Alongside the awards, the 4th Travel Sale Expo was launched with Metrobank named as Official Bank Partner and recipient of the Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassador of the Year award. Daily Tribune was designated Official Media Partner for
the event. Scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, at SM Megamall, the expo will offer travel consumers discounts of up to 75% on selected travel services. The three-day event, held annually since 2023 during the “BER months,” provides direct access to suppliers including airlines, hotels, accredited travel agencies, tourism boards, hospitality providers, and financial institutions, enabling travelers to book with confidence and receive expert guidance.
Industry Perspective and Travel Sale Expo Goals
GTBA President Michelle G. Taylan characterized the awardees as real ambassadors whose efforts convert policies into progress and culture into economic opportunities. As Chairperson of the Travel Sale Expo, she highlighted travel as an essential part
of life and emphasized the expo’s role in making travel plans affordable and accessible. The event aims to combine exclusive deals with face-to-face interaction, ensuring transparency and expert support for travelers planning both leisure and business trips during the holiday season.
