The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and ONEKLIK Events held the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards, recognizing 80 individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to tourism. The event, held in conjunction with the launch of the 4th Travel Sale Expo, featured the attendance of H.E. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who delivered the keynote address and received the LGU Ambassador of the Year award.
Other notable awardees included Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretaries Verna Buensuceso and Rica Bueno, who accepted the Tourism Ambassador Award representing DOT Secretary
Dita Mathay. Ambassadors from Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Qatar, and Oman were among those honored with the Ambassador of the Year Award. Diplomatic Excellence Awards were presented to Atty. Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, and Taiwan Ambassador H.E. Wallace Min Gan Chow. Media organizations granted Media Ambassador recognition 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. Regional honors went to Batanes Governor Jun Aguto and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores. Additional local government unit (LGU)
honorees were Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Baybay Mayor Carlos Cari, and Pagadian Mayor Sammy Co. Awards also acknowledged key DOT regional directors and officials from various government agencies, foreign embassies, and the private sector. National tourism office (NTO) ambassadors honored included Ana Aban of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Rick Yu of the Taiwan Tourism Authority, Mohd Faizal Sharip of Tourism Malaysia, and Philip Gejon from the Guam Visitors Bureau.
The 4th Travel Sale Expo was officially launched during the ceremony. Scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the Expo offers discounts of up to 75%
on selected travel services, accommodations, and packages. It provides attendees with direct access to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tourism boards, hospitality providers, and financial institutions in a face-to-face environment, facilitating informed travel bookings during the peak holiday planning season.
A multi-sector panel of judges evaluated nominees based on the depth of their contributions, measurable impact, and sustained dedication to promoting tourism and national development. Metrobank was named the Official Bank Partner of the Expo and received the Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassador of the Year award. The Daily Tribune was designated as the Official Media Partner for the Travel
Sale Expo.
GTBA President Michelle G. Taylan highlighted that awardees represent active ambassadors driving tangible progress in tourism development. She also described the Travel Sale Expo as a venue where travelers can realize their plans affordably and confidently. These events emphasize efforts to strengthen the tourism sector through collaboration across government, diplomatic, media, and private sectors.
Travelers attending the Expo benefit from exclusive deals and expert advice offered by providers on-site, facilitating secure and well-informed travel planning. The event has become an annual platform since 2023, aligning with the “BER months” to assist holiday travelers in accessing competitive rates and
travel essentials during the peak booking period.
