By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) — With just three more months left before the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign kicks off, the country marked it latest tourism achievement by bagging the “Destination of the Year” title at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Friday.
In a ceremony on Thursday, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center in Thailand.
TTG Asia’s editorial team, in a statement, said that the Philippines was given the award “for distinguishing itself with its proactive steps and initiatives towards the development and promotion of the travel industry.”
The “Destination of the Year” falls under the Outstanding Achievement Awards. Other categories include Travel Personality of the Year, Best Travel Entrepreneur, Best Marketing and Relationship Effort, and Best Trade Supporter.
“We would like to thank TTG for the invaluable support extended to our organization in our marketing and information dissemination efforts,” Jimenez said during the event.
“As a trusted travel trade publication, it has been a formidable partner throughout these years in bringing the Philippines closer to our markets,” he added.
Jimenez then accepted the signature trophy — a statuette of Hermes (the god of travel and protector of travellers in ancient Greek mythology) — which is cast in solid pewter and plated in 24K gold.
The Hermes trophy, which weighs two kilograms, has since then been the icon of the annual awards.
“This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people that have ensured the acceptance of ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines,” Jimenez further said.
In closing, he said that it was the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of President Benigno S. Aquino III, that serves as the department’s inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the country.
The TTG Travel Awards, the most coveted and influential awards to be garnered in the region’s travel industry, is organized by TTG Asia, with the support of TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China and TTG Asia Luxury.
It is an exclusive event that has been honoring stellar organizations and individuals in four categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement, and Travel Hall of Fame since 1989. (PNA)