The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and ONEKLIK Events held the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards in the Philippines, honoring 80 individuals and organizations for their contributions to tourism. The event was attended by ambassadors including H.E. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, and featured a keynote address by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who received the LGU Ambassador of the Year award.
Award categories included Ambassador of the Year, Diplomatic Excellence, Tourism Ambassador, Airline Ambassadors, Hospitality Ambassadors, IATA Ambassador, National Tourism Organization Ambassadors, LGU Tourism Ambassadors, Tourism Excellence Trade Partner Ambassadors, Bank and Credit
Card Brand Ambassadors, and GTBA Ambassadors. Notable honorees included H.E. Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia, Atty. Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia, and H.E. Wallace Min Gan Chow, Taiwan Ambassador. TIEZA COO Mark Lapid was recognized as Tourism Infrastructure Ambassador of the Year, and Governors Jun Aguto of Batanes and Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan received their respective Ambassador Awards. DOT Undersecretaries Verna Buensuceso and Rica Bueno were presented with Tourism Ambassador Awards representing DOT Secretary Dita Mathay. Judges evaluated nominees based on measurable impact, contribution depth, and commitment to inclusive national development.
The awards event
also marked the official launch of the 4th Travel Sale Expo, which will be held October 2–4, 2026 at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Metrobank was named the Official Bank Partner and received the Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassador of the Year award, while Daily Tribune was named Official Media Partner. The expo provides a face-to-face platform for travelers to connect with airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tourism offices, hospitality businesses, and financial institutions.
The Travel Sale Expo offers discounts of up to 75% off on selected travel services, accommodations, tour packages, and essentials. Visitors can meet suppliers directly to
verify details and receive transparent information. Travel professionals are available to provide personalized advice on itineraries, travel requirements, and budgets. The timing in the ‘BER months’ allows travelers to secure discounted rates for the coming year and purchase travel gifts for the holiday season.
GTBA President Michelle G. Taylan said the awardees are “the real ambassadors—defined not by their titles or appointment alone, but by the work they do. They turn policies into tangible progress, places into world-class destinations, and stories of culture and heritage into opportunities for all.” As Chairperson of the Travel Sale Expo, Taylan added, “Travel is
no longer just a luxury—it has become a dream, a motivation, and a way of life… The 4th Travel Sale Expo is exactly where you can turn those plans into reality—affordably, safely, and confidently.”
