GTBA officially launched as Secretary Frasco honored with a World Tourism Icon of the Year Award

The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), has officially recognized Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco with a World Tourism Icon of the Year Award for her invaluable work and enormous contribution to the growth of the tourism industry in the country.  

“She was honored because of her exceptional leadership skills in rallying the entire tourism sector towards achieving a common goal for a stronger tourism industry.  The Tourism Secretary was also cited for her numerous projects in aggressively promoting the Philippine tourism industry both locally and internationally that has produced positive results,” said Ms. Michelle Taylan, President and founder GTBA.

Secretary Frasco also commended GTBA led by Ms. Micelle Taylan for taking the initiative in organizing the group.  “I’d like to thank GTBA for taking the lead in forming the group and starting projects that greatly benefit the tourism industry,” Secretary Frasco said.

Secretary Frasco was the guest of honor at the Global Tourism Business Association and Travel Sale Expo 2024 launching.  She led the induction and oath-taking of the new set of officers of GTBA.

Amb. of Malaysia H.E. Dato Abdul Malik , Amb. of Thailand H.E Tull Traisorat, GTBA President Michelle Taylan, Sec. Christina Frasco and Amb. of Israel H.E. Ilan Fluss

Other prominent government officials who attended the event were Quezon City Mayor Hon. Ma.  Josefina G. Belmonte as well as Malay Aklan Mayor Hon. Frolibar S. Bautista.  Other dignitaries who were also present were: Israel Ambassador H.E. Ilan Fluss; Malaysian Ambassador H.E. Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; Thailand Ambassador H.E Tull Traisorat; Cambodian Ambassador H.E. Phan Peuv; Brunei Ambassador H.E. Megawati Manan and Minister Dangsy Teng-shi Yang, Deputy Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines

GTBA President, Michelle Taylan and DOT Secretary Christina Frasco

GTBA is a non-profit, national tourism business association whose goal was to provide its members a legitimate voice in the industry to express and articulate the interests of its members

One of GTBA’s paramount interest is to professionalize its ranks.  This is to ensure that all its members are legitimate business entities. “We ensure that our members meet our requirements to qualify as members in good standing.  GTBA also has a program to make sure that they are updated on the latest happenings and trends in the travel industry,” added Ms. Taylan.

As a major stakeholder in the travel industry, GTBA works closely with the Department of Tourism.  “GTBA coordinates and explores how one can support each other.  As a travel group, it can mobilize its members and resources  to fully support The Tourism Department’s different projects and programs.  Since we believe that the success of the tourism industry is the success of its individual members “ Ms. Taylan added.

Simultaneous to GTBA’s launchings, is the official announcement of the 2nd Travel Sale Expo (TSE) which is slated on September 27 to 29, 2024 at the Megatrade Hall 1, 2 & 3, SM Megamall.  “After its successful debut last September of this year, we at TSE 2024 are now busy preparing for another outstanding Travel Sale Expo for next year.  We promise to make it bigger and more exciting in terms of more offerings to the traveling public and entertaining to the thousands who will attend,” explained by Ms. Michelle Taylan, Chairperson of Travel Sale Expo 2024.