The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) has recognized Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as a "World Tourism Icon" for her contributions to promoting the Philippines on the global stage.

During the Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony of the newly elected GTBA Board of Trustees and Officers for 2025 at the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday, GTBA President Michelle Taylan honored Frasco for her efforts in showcasing the country’s cultural and natural attractions while fostering cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and economic growth.

“Secretary Frasco served the standard of excellence to the global tourism landscape,” Taylan said.

In response, Frasco expressed her gratitude to GTBA, which has more than 200 member travel agencies nationwide. She emphasized the shared responsibility of the government and private sector in maximizing the country’s tourism potential.

“it is incumbent upon us, both the government and the private sector to always ensure that we do justice to the assets been given naturally, as well as the products and destinations that perhaps may have not yet given the opportunity to be highlighted in the global sphere.” Frasco said.

“The ethos that we have been doing at the DOT is we face a period of transformation in our country led by our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The vision of which is to reintroduce the Philippines to the world from the strength of our culture — the breadth of our history and the pride of our identity as Filipinos. GTBA has been a steadfast and reliable partner of the DOT along with the private sector in sending out the message that there is so much more to love about the Philippines,” she added.

The newly elected GTBA Board of Trustees and Officers for 2025 includes:

• President: Michelle Taylan

• Vice President: Virgincita Migrino

• Vice President - Outbound: Marites Cuan

• Secretary: Carmelite Bermudez

• Treasurer: Flora Caberte

• Auditor: Lani Cruz

• Public Relations Officer: Elaine Garcia De Rueda

• Assistant Secretary: Meyn Limos Quiray

The newly appointed officers pledged to continue supporting the travel and tourism industry through various projects and programs.

"We are so grateful to have such a dynamic board year after year. These are the people working tirelessly and unconditionally behind the scenes to uplift the tourism sector, to make sure stakeholders are reaching the best of their potential, and to ensure we are bridging that gap between providers and the traveling public," Taylan said.

The board also reaffirmed GTBA’s commitment to actively participate in DOT’s local and international programs.

As its first major project for 2025, GTBA will hold its B2B Global Travel Exchange and Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19-23 February, in support of the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board’s international campaigns.

The event is expected to gather around 200 delegates from the Philippines, Malaysia, and other participating countries for business and networking opportunities in travel and tourism.