DOT chief earns SKAL tourism award for good tourism governance

MANILA, Philippines — SKAL International, a worldwide association of travel and tourism professionals, on Thursday feted the Department of Tourism an Award for Good Tourism Governance.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco received the award at the 31st  Anniversary of the SKAL International Tourism Awards and 42nd Founding Anniversary of the SKAL International-Makati Chapter at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.

She dedicated the award to her hardworking colleagues at the tourism department.

“I accept this award in behalf of all the hardworking men and women of the Department of Tourism who, for the past fifty years since its founding in 1973, have done the work of building awareness for Philippine tourism and heralding the best of the Filipino identity to the world," the DOT chief said.

“I would like to thank SKAL International-Makati for this very generous award that you've given to the Department of Tourism. It fuels our inspiration, and strengthens our commitment to the tourism industry, an industry which provides millions of livelihood to our fellow Filipinos," she added.

Frasco also served as the keynote speaker in the event attended by hundreds of industry partners and supporters, members of the diplomatic corps, media and government leaders including Department of Transportation Secretary and Chair of the SKAL International-Makati Chapter Jaime Bautista.

The event was also graced by SKAL International board and officers led by its President Farid Schoucair, Vice President Angel Ramos Bognot, Treasurer Cynthia Carrion, Director Menchie Orobia, and Director Mike Albaña.

SKAL International, founded in 1934 in Paris, France, promotes global tourism and friendship within the industry and among its members composed of tourism, travel and transport professionals.

The Makati-Chapter, celebrating its anniversary, on the other hand, is said to be the second oldest club in the Philippines after it was established in August 1981.

The DOT, on the other hand, celebrated its 50th founding anniversary in late June this year with a launch of the rebranded tourism slogan "Love the Philippines."