SKAL International Makati Chairman Robert Lim Joseph has announced the 2019 SKAL Tourism Personality Awardees in connection with their 38th Founding Anniversary celebration and 29th SKAL Tourism Personality Awards on Thursday at the New World Hotel Makati.
The event is held in partnership with Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. New World Hotel Makati, and Ralph Wines and Spirits.
Awardees for this year are Corregidor Foundation Inc. chairman and CEO and former Tourism Usec. Madame Cynthia Carrion, for Historical Tourism Development; Jaime Bautista for SKAL Leadership In Tourism and Transportation; and Emmanuel Gonzalez of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa for Food Tourism.
Others are Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año, and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat for Eco-Tourism; Miguel Belmonte for Star Legacy Award; Suzie Moya Benitez for Bayanihan-Heritage and Cultural Tourism; Pampanga Vice Gov. Lilia G. Pineda for Domestic Tourism Development; and Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO of Globallink MP Events International Inc. for Exhibition Tourism.
Elizabeth “Betty” Sy, president and chairman of SM Hotels and Convention, leads the Hotel Awards category; Arnel “AA” Patawaran for Print Media; Dina May Flores (Philippine Airlines) for Airlines; Michelle Tiotangco of Kamia Bay for Resorts; Rafael Dionisio of MAD Travel for Cultural and Ecological Adventure Tourism; and Eat Bulaga’s Ms. Millennial Philippines for TV Program Tourism Segment Award.
“The annual prestigious awards are given to persons who gave their utmost services to promote and develop the tourism industry here and abroad,” Joseph said.
“We selected awardees from the government and private sectors including the entertainment industry,” he added.
According to Joseph, SKAL is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship.