First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos delivers her remarks at the Manila Overseas Press Club’s Grand Tourism Night at New World Makati Hotel on Friday. (Aug. 15, 2025). The First Lady recognized the contribution of tourism in boosting the Philippine economy and also the role of the private sector in its development. (PNA photo by Joyce Rocamora)
At the Manila Overseas Press Club’s Grand Tourism Night, the ballroom of New World Makati Hotel glittered not just with chandeliers, but with optimism. Business leaders, tourism champions, and government officials gathered to celebrate a shared mission: turning the Philippines into a premier global destination.
At the heart of the evening was First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who spoke with both conviction and warmth about the country’s future in travel and hospitality. For her, tourism is more than leisure—it is livelihood.
“Tourism is a key economic driver,” she said, noting that the industry contributed 8.9 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024. “This administration is investing in better airports, stronger connectivity, and smoother travel experiences. More tourists mean more jobs, and more opportunities for our people. But we cannot do this without the private sector.”
The night honored 16 movers and shakers of the tourism industry, from heritage destinations like Sonya’s Garden and Rodeo Masbateño to corporate giants like San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, and Jollibee Foods Corporation. Executives including Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel, Kevin Tan of Alliance Global Group, and Rafael Aboitiz of Aboitiz Infracapital took the stage, reflecting the powerful alliance between government vision and private enterprise.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the sector’s growth—creating nearly seven million jobs—was no accident. “These gains are the result of deliberate, strategic interventions to ensure the long-term resilience of the industry,” she said.
For her leadership and advocacy, Mrs. Marcos was also honored with the MOPC Transformative Power Award, a recognition of her role in pushing for tourism as a pillar of inclusive growth.
The message of the evening was clear: tourism in the Philippines is no longer just about beautiful beaches and rich culture—it is about building a future where travel fuels prosperity, partnerships drive progress, and every Filipino benefits from the nation’s global appeal.