A night of celebrating the people who shape tourism
The Department of Tourism continues to pursue its ‘Discover More’ campaign, alongside efforts to attract investors and develop destinations that are ready to welcome more travelers through better infrastructure and facilities.
There are many ways to measure the strength of a tourism industry, but one of the most meaningful is the community built around it. On 7 August 2026, the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) brought together some of the Philippines’ key tourism partners for an evening of recognition and celebration at Novotel Manila Araneta City. The occasion marked the launch of the 4th Travel Sale Expo, set for 2 to 4 October 2026, while giving the industry’s movers and partners their welldeserved moment of appreciation.
Diplomats, Department of Tourism officials, local government leaders, airline representatives, hoteliers, travel agencies and other tourism stakeholders were among those who came together for the occasion.
At the heart of the evening was the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards, honoring individuals who have helped promote destinations, encourage business opportunities and build stronger connections between the Philippines and the international tourism community.
Among the awardees was DAILY TRIBUNE’s executive director for Brand Communications, Chingkee Mangcucang, who was named Media Ambassador of the Year for her work in promoting tourism and strengthening industry connections through media.
DAILY TRIBUNE’s executive director for Brand Communications Chingkee Mangcucang receives the Media Ambassador of the Year award.
Tourism Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso shares the country’s strong tourism outlook and growing opportunities for destinations and investors.
TRIBUNE’s own tourism champ Chingkee Mangcucang, DAILY TRIBUNE’s executive director for Brand Communications, receives the Media Ambassador of the Year award from Tourism Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso, in recognition of her advocacy for Philippine tourism and her partnership-building with the Department of Tourism. Joining the celebration is Global Tourism Business Association president Michelle Taylan
DAILY TRIBUNE’s resident Feng Shui and Chinese astrology expert Hanz Cua was also named Master Feng Shui Ambassador of the Year, giving travelers one more reason to check their luck before planning their next getaway.
The evening also brought encouraging news for the Philippine tourism industry.
Tourism Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso, speaking during her keynote address for the launch of the 4th Travel Sale Expo, shared that 2026 has been a strong year for Philippine tourism. With the Philippines holding the ASEAN chairmanship, the country has also seen growing interest from neighboring Southeast Asian markets, with some recording double to triple digit increases in visits to Philippine destinations.
Master Hanz Cua (middle) accepts the Master Feng Shui Ambassador of the Year award from GTBA president Michelle Taylan (left) and GTBA treasurer Flora Caberte.
The Department of Tourism continues to pursue its “Discover More” campaign, alongside efforts to attract investors and develop destinations that are ready to welcome more travelers through better infrastructure and facilities.
For GTBA president Michelle Taylan, the evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the relationships that have helped the tourism sector grow. Bringing together people from different corners of the industry, the awards gave recognition to those whose work has opened doors for new conversations, partnerships and possibilities.
The association has built its activities around creating opportunities for tourism businesses and professionals to meet, exchange ideas and discover new markets. From industry gatherings to travel-focused events, these connections help bring destinations, businesses and travelers closer together.
With the 4th Travel Sale Expo ahead, the celebration ended on a fitting note: tourism is not only about where people go, but also about the people who make those journeys possible.