SKAL International Makati has recognized individuals in the travel and tourism industry who have stood out during these challenging and unprecedented times.
The organization announced the recipients of the 30th SKAL Tourism Personality Awardees, which will be presented on Nov. 18 at the ballroom of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. The awards presentation coincides with SKAL International Makati’s 40th founding anniversary.
“This year, the SKAL awards are given to leaders who continue to thrive during the pandemic. They are business leaders who have shown great commitment to the tourism industry and offered genuine support to ease the stress caused by the pandemic,” said SKAL International Makati president Jimmy Bautista.
Selected to receive the prestigious award are Michael Jaey Albaña, commercial director of Conrad Hotel Manila, for 5-Star Hotel Category; Former Tourism Secretary Dr. Mina Gabor, now president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism Philippines (ISST), for Farm Tourism Category; Sarah J. Monzon Po, director for Operations of Hotel Fleuris Palawan, president of TEAM Philippines-MIMAROPA Chapter, owner, and general manager of Aji Travel and Tour Corporation, for Travel Agent Category; Angel Ramos Bognot, president of Afro Asian World of Events; Maria Anthonette C Velasco-Allones, COO of the Tourism Promotions Board, for Government Service Category, and NITAS, for M.I.C.E Category.
Other awardees are Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano for Region Director Category; Farid Schoucair, Heritage Hotel Manila General Manager for 4-Star Hotel Category; Mikel Arrieta, General Manager of Anya Resorts Tagaytay for Hotel and Resort Category; and Cheche Moral, Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle Editor for Print Media Category.
This famed annual event is organized in partnership with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits.
SKAL International Makati is a member of Skål International, the world’s largest global network of tourism professionals promoting tourism, business and friendship worldwide. Its members collaborate to address issues of common interest, improving a business network and promoting destinations.
The first Skal Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers following an educational tour of Scandinavia. The idea of international goodwill and friendship grew and in 1934, the “Association Internationale des Skal Clubs” was established.
Skal International today has approximately 12,822 members in 321 clubs throughout 99 countries. Most activities occur local, moving up through National Committees under the umbrella of Skal International headquarters in Torremolinos, Malaga, Spain.