The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines was honored at the GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024, receiving the Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year—Tourism award for the remarkable success of its flagship program, the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2023.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco accepted the award at a ceremony held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Thursday, 13 June 2024.
“This recognition underscores our steadfast dedication to promoting sustainable and innovative tourism practices. I extend my gratitude to the Tourism Promotions Board team, our private sector partners, and international buyers for making PHITEX 2023—a landmark in-person event post-pandemic—a resounding success,” said TPB COO Nograles. “Under Tourism Secretary Frasco’s leadership, we will continue leveraging technology and prioritizing sustainability to elevate our tourism promotions, showcasing the best of the Philippines and its people to the world.”
Since its inception in 1996, PHITEX has been pivotal in fostering business alliances and showcasing the Philippines’ premier tourism offerings. The 2023 edition centered on the theme “Tourism Sustainability in the Era of Internet of Things (IoT),” spotlighting the country’s digital transformation and sustainability initiatives to meet global expectations.
PHITEX 2023 hosted 88 buyers from 19 countries for travel exchange sessions with 164 seller delegates from 119 Philippine companies. The event facilitated 4,063 business meetings, projecting revenue exceeding PHP 341.5 million.
Beyond business sessions, PHITEX served as an innovative platform for local stakeholders and academics in tourism through its Philippine Educational Program (PEP) Talk. The program provided insights into IoT advancements, data privacy, and circular economies.
Pre and post-familiarization tours exposed international buyers to diverse community-based tourist sites, showcasing grassroots initiatives, local textiles, culinary treasures, and eco-tourism activities across the Philippines.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards celebrate outstanding government projects in Asia that contribute to regional welfare. Last year, PHITEX received the National Tourism Initiative of the Year award at the 2023 GovMedia Awards.
