Eighty individuals and organizations were recognized for helping turn tourism into a vehicle for diplomacy, cultural exchange and local economic opportunity at the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards of the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA).
The awards, presented in cooperation with ONEKLIK Events, underscored how tourism increasingly extends beyond attracting visitors. It can open doors for communities, businesses and destinations by strengthening ties across borders and creating new channels for trade and cultural exchange.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain graced the ceremony, while Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte delivered the keynote address and was named LGU Ambassador of the Year.
Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Mathay was represented by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who, along with DOT Undersecretary Rica Bueno, received the Tourism Ambassador Award.
The diplomatic community figured prominently among the major awardees. Malaysian Ambassador Malik Melvin Castelino, Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, Lao Ambassador Thippasone Sengsourinha, Cambodian Ambassador Sin Saream, Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al-Homidi and Oman Ambassador Nasser Said Al Manwari were honored with Ambassador of the Year and Diplomatic Excellence awards.
Also recognized for Diplomatic Excellence were Atty. Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, and Wallace Min Gan Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
The awards also reached beyond embassies, recognizing TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, Batanes Governor Jun Aguto and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, as well as partners from local governments, media, airlines, hospitality, tourism and trade.
GTBA President Michelle G. Taylan said the awards honor the “real ambassadors” whose work turns policies into tangible progress and cultural heritage into opportunities.
The event also launched the 4th Travel Sale Expo, which will run from October 2 to 4, 2026, at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
For an industry often measured by arrivals and receipts, the awards offered a broader scorecard. Tourism is also about who gets connected, what opportunities follow and how destinations build relationships that last beyond a visitor’s stay.
