MANILA, Philippines—Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received the prestigious Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance on Tuesday night (Sept. 3) at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024.
“This is first, very unexpected in that, this is a discretionary award from the World Travel Awards. I’m very grateful for this honor. I, together with our team at the Department of Tourism, our attached agencies and our private tourism stakeholders have worked day and night to really ensure na bumangon yung turismo ng Pilipinas and that it transcends to its rightful place in Asia and the world,” Secretary Frasco shared.
Held at the posh City of Dreams Manila and organized by the Tourism Promotions Board – Philippines, this event marks a historic milestone as the country hosts the esteemed awards for the first time.
The tourism chief’s recognition underscores her visionary leadership and transformative contributions that have reshaped the Philippine tourism landscape. Since her appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in 2022, Secretary Frasco has implemented numerous initiatives that have enhanced the country’s tourism infrastructure and elevated its global standing.
Under Secretary Frasco’s administration, the country’s first Tourist Rest Areas (TRA) project was launched, providing essential amenities for travelers across the Philippines, which earned recognition as the Infrastructure Project of the Year at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024 in Singapore. The Philippine Experience Program (PEP), another landmark initiative, promotes sustainable tourism by offering immersive cultural experiences that highlight the nation’s rich heritage, arts, and traditions. Furthermore, the introduction of Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours in key cities aligns the Philippines with global best practices, providing tourists with convenient ways to explore various destinations.
She also spotlighted on her experience as a local chief executive, “From my experience as Mayor in the tourism province that is Cebu, I have seen the pain that was caused by the pandemic and various other calamities and the difficulties of losing income, losing jobs, losing employment, and livelihood, and that is what drives us, to make sure that tourism contributes as much as it can uplifting the quality of life of fellow Filipinos and to providing opportunities to ascend in terms of their state in life,”
“And that, nagpapasalamat din po ako sa ating Presidente for the confidence he bestowed upon me to become Tourism Secretary, to our Sto. Niño who continues to guide and protect us, and of course, to my family who has been with me throughout this most challenging but also very fruitful and productive journey.”
Graham Cooke, the founder of the World Travel Awards, commended Secretary Frasco’s leadership, saying, “This Secretary of Tourism, since the time we’ve seen her in action, has actually made a difference. The figures speak for themselves, the arrivals, GDP, she has transformed the tourism economy. I see the vibrancy of Philippine tourism, and I love it, I love the Philippines. She’s transformed the (tourism) industry, from what I’ve seen, and put Philippines on the map. And I think it’s lovely, and I wish her every continued success.”.
“We’d like to say a big thank you from the World Travel Awards to Secretary Frasco for everything she and her team, the Department of Tourism, have done. Again, the staff, the members of the team have been fantastic—the smile, the dedication, and the originality. We’re so proud to host our event here that it’s a must-visit MICE destination, and I’d recommend (to) anybody that’s thinking of hosting an event in the world to come to the Philippines,” Cooke enthused.
The Philippines also celebrated significant victories at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania 2024, bagging prestigious titles such as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination. In addition, the country earned recognition for Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 for its “Love The Philippines” initiative. Some of the Philippines’ premier destinations were also in the spotlight, with Intramuros being recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay receiving the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.
The World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Tourism Industry,” gathered leaders and influencers from across the region, celebrating excellence in the travel and hospitality sectors.
