The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) officially ushered in a new era on Monday, welcoming a new set of leaders in its ranks.
The event—held at the Department of Tourism (DOT) headquarters in Makati—saw the induction of GTBA’s newly elected Board of Trustees and Officers, who pledged to continue moving the Philippines’ tourism industry forward.
As the newly elected leaders took their oath, GTBA President Michelle Taylan reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Philippine tourism.
She vowed to support DOT initiatives and implement industry-driven programs to further drive growth in the sector.
“Together with the new GTBA officers, [we] pledge to once again serve the travel and tourism industry through the association’s different projects and programs,” she said.
“With our goal as the voice of responsible tourism business, we affirm GTBA’s commitment to take an active role in participating in all the programs and projects of the Department of Tourism locally and internationally.”
During her address, Taylan expressed gratitude to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for her unwavering support of the association.
“Our beloved Secretary Frasco has been there to support us in every way possible,” she said. “GTBA would not be where it is today without this kind of help from her and the entire Department of Tourism.”
Recognizing this strong partnership, Frasco, in turn, commended GTBA for its contributions to expanding tourism opportunities in the Philippines.
“We are grateful for all the work that you have consistently done in partnering with the Department of Tourism in all of the programs and projects that we have instituted, not only to continue what has always been done but rather to innovate and to expand,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and private sectors when it comes to tourism, particularly in developing and discovering new destinations and experiences.
“It is incumbent upon us, both the government and the private sector, to always ensure that we do justice to the assets that we have been given naturally, as well as to the products and destinations that perhaps may have not yet been given the opportunity to be highlighted on a global sphere,” she explained.
With GTBA and DOT reinforcing their collaboration, the organization is now gearing up for its first major initiative of the year.
GTBA will kick off its 2025 calendar of activities with the B2B Global Travel Exchange and Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from February 19-23.
In collaboration with the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the event seeks to enhance the Philippines’ global tourism presence by fostering business partnerships and promoting the country as a premier travel destination.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco with the newly elected Board of Trustees and Officers of GBTA
