DOT R-XI embarks on professionalizing its hospitality and tourism sector

Department of Tourism Region XI in collaboration with Asia World Hospitality (AWH)-American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) conducted two workshops for 60 participants from the key areas of guest service and lodging security.

AWH conducted the Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP) Workshop for 30 participants from different hotels, resorts and spa, with Marjorie Lucero-Antonio, former UP Asian Institute of Tourism professor, facilitating the said workshop. The CGSP is a comprehensive program designed to mold guest service professionals with the skills to engage with their guests to provide memorable experience.

AWH also facilitated the Certified Lodging Security Officer workshop with 30 attendees consisting of hotel owners, heads of security, public safety officers, tour guides and hotel managers, among others. Ret. Col. Job Nolan Antonio, former president of FBI National Academy Associations, conducted the workshop.

From left: Farid Schoucair, Rotary Club of Manila director Bobby Joseph, Diamond Hotel Philippines general manager Vanessa Ledesma-Suatengco (awardee) and Rotary Club of Manila president Jimmie Policarpio.

These workshops are part of the region’s initiative to professionalize its hospitality sector, beginning with the industry’s frontliners. In September 2017, the Department of Tourism in Davao and nine program beneficiaries signed a memorandum of agreement that seeks to upgrade the tourism industry through the Tourism Industry Skills Program (TISP).

While a relatively safe region, Davao has long been included in the tourism alerts of foreign countries, restricting visits to the area and further reducing tourism revenues. The service professionalization initiative of Davao is designed to tap into the human resource potential of the region, elevating the service industry to become world class. This is also aligned with the region’s aggressive tourism promotions strategy, ensuring that a host of trained service-oriented professionals from the hospitality sector can contribute to the economy and sustain the tourism industry.

For more information, log on at asiaworldhospitality.com or, email at info@asiaworldhospitality.com or call +63 2 556-7994 or +63 917-5232128.

Discovery Country Suites gets shortlisted for Haute Grandeur’s Global Hotel Awards

Discovery Country Suites has been shortlisted along with some of the world’s best hotels for Haute Grandeur’s Global Hotel Awards. Haute Grandeur is an independent award-giving body that recognizes the best hospitality experience from across seven continents, 172 countries, and 90 categories. To be awarded by Haute Grandeur, different factors are taken into consideration, such as rooms, food & beverage, service, overall hotel facilities, location, ambience, design, unique guest experience, online presence, guest reviews, among others.

As a part of The Discovery Leisure Company’s roster of hotels and resorts, Discovery Country Suites provides a calm respite for its guests with their picturesque view of Taal and its trademark outstanding service. As a seven-suite manor home, one of the things that separate Discovery Country Suites from most hotels is its exclusivity. Those who enter the property can immediately feel the distinctive feeling of home. From the personalized service, elegant suites, signature experience of wine and cheese at sundown, to the sumptuous dishes of Restaurant Verbena, a stay at Discovery Country Suites is a unique experience in itself.

Being shortlisted for a prestigious award is already an honor for Discovery Country Suites, but excellence has always been imparted in their roots. Guest ratings are an important part of winning the award, which is why guests are encouraged to share their honest feedback through various travel websites. Winners will be announced on November 1.

Discovery Country Suites is located along 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, 4120 Philippines. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 5298172, email reservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph or visit http://www.discoverycountrysuites.com.

Diamond Hotel general manager receives hotel management tourism award

Diamond Hotel Philippines’ general manager Vanessa Ledesma-Suatengco is the recipient of the Hotel Management Tourism Award, given by the Rotary Club of Manila in celebration of its 14th Tourism Awards. She received the award for her remarkable contribution to the development and promotion of the tourism industry along with other personalities from government and different sectors of the society who were also recognized in other categories.

Being entrusted with numerous responsibilities, from leading a five-star hotel to managing roles in the Tourism Promotions Board and other organizations, Suatengco keeps a strong desire and motivation in making game-changing innovations in the property.

Her journey in the industry was challenging but exciting. She started her career in Human Resources Management where she became exposed to people of different levels in the organization. She then climbed her way up to becoming the group HR director for the Philippine properties of an international hotel chain where she managed the training of expat general managers until she was given the opportunity to shift to operations and became a resident manager.

Suatengco became the first female Filipina general manager of a five-star hotel when she assumed the stewardship of Diamond Hotel Philippines. She is focused in making it competitive with international luxury hotel chains by strengthening its brand recall and spearheading major renovation projects. The complete transformation, enhancement of services and persistent marketing efforts brought the hotel back into the limelight, making it one of the top hotels in the bay area and accommodation of choice by embassies, corporate clients, convention organizers and entertainment producers. With that, the hotel has evolved to become one of the major players in the industry.

“There are still challenges that need to be overcome, the industry has been growing at a fast rate and the competition is getting tougher. But this has energized us even more, and we are always seeking ways to improve not only on our service, but also on ourselves,” said Suatengco. Passion, obsession, consistency, attention to details and dedication are some of the values she encourages her people to nurture and practice so they can realize their goals.

Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. For inquiries, call (632) 528-3000 or email guestservices@diamondhot el.com. For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, visit www.diamondhotel.com. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow the hotel on Facebook, YouTube and Google+ at Diamond Hotel Philippines, and Instagram and Twitter at DiamondHotelPh.

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