A new set of board of trustees will spearhead the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) as it gears up for another year of initiatives to support the Philippine travel and tourism sector.
This year’s board members, President Michelle G. Taylan, Vice President Virgincita Migrino, Vice President—Outbound Marites Cuan, Secretary Carmelite Bermudez, Treasurer Flora Caberte, Auditor Lani Cruz, PRO Elaine Garcia De Rueda, and Assistant Secretary Meyn Limos Quiray, took their oath at the Department of Tourism on February 10, 2025, with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leading the induction ceremony.
The new GTBA officers pledged to serve the travel and tourism industry again through the association’s different projects and programs.
“We are so grateful to have such a dynamic board year after year. These are the people working tirelessly and unconditionally behind the scenes to uplift the tourism sector, ensure stakeholders are reaching the best of their potential, and ensure we are bridging that gap between providers and the traveling public,” GTBA President Michelle Taylan said.
Taylan and the rest of the GTBA Board of Trustees extend their gratitude to Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who has supported GTBA, numerous government establishments, embassies, and local and international tourism organizations. The new board also affirms GTBA’s commitment to participate actively in all the programs and projects of the Department of Tourism, locally and internationally.
Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude to GTBA, which has around 200 member travel agencies nationwide. She emphasized the shared responsibility of the government and private sector in maximizing the country’s tourism potential.
“it is incumbent upon us, both the government and the private sector, to always ensure that we do justice to the assets been given naturally, as well as the products and destinations that perhaps may have not yet been given the opportunity to be highlighted in the global sphere.” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“The ethos that we have been doing at the DOT is that we are facing a period of transformation in our country led by our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The vision is to reintroduce the Philippines to the world from the strength of our culture — the breadth of our history and the pride of our identity as Filipinos. GTBA has been a steadfast and reliable partner of the DOT and the private sector in sending out the message that there is so much more to love about the Philippines,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“Our Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and the whole Department of Tourism have been there to support us in every way possible ever since, and we are truly thankful. GTBA would not be where it is today without this kind of help from them,” GTBA President Michelle Taylan said.
The Global Tourism Business Association will hold its B2B (business-to-business) Global Travel Exchange and Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from February 19-23, 2025, in support of DOT and TPB’s international projects promoting the Philippines. The event will gather more than 200 delegates from the Philippines, Malaysia, and other participating countries for business and networking opportunities in travel and tourism.
Simultaneously with the GTBA’s oathtaking, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was awarded the title of World Tourism Icon of the Year. GTBA President Michelle Taylan presented her with the award together with Malaysian Ambassador H.E. Malik Melvin Castelino and Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Agus Widjojo.
“Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was honored because of her relentless efforts to showcase the best of the Philippines to the world, fostering cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and economic growth. Indeed, she has elevated Philippine Tourism on the global stage by attracting visitors worldwide and has set a new standard for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” said GTBA President Michelle Taylan.
Later this year, on September 26-28, GTBA will also host the third edition of its Travel Sale Expo at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The event, which has the theme Your Gateway To The World, will feature around 200 exhibitors from the airline, hotels, tours, and cruises sector. Dropdown deals and big discounts will be waiting for participants.