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After returning to the private sector in 2017, we are proud to share that our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Maria Lourdes Japson has been actively participating in the travel associations once again and was recently inducted as the Philippine Tour Operators Association’s (PHILTOA) new 1st Vice President, officiated by the guest of honor, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during PHILTOA’s 1^st General Membership Meeting last February 21, 2024, at the Makati Diamond Residences.

Along with Ms. Japson, one of the pillars in the industry, Mr. Arjun Shroff of Shroff Travel was also inducted as the new president of PHILTOA among other Board of Trustees. The event was attended by members of the association, as well as many other tourism stakeholders. During the event, DOT Secretary Frasco acknowledged the importance of tour operators both in the recovery and success of the local tourism industry. “I am extremely delighted to be in the company of the Philippine Tour Operators Association, (PHILTOA), which has been a strong and steadfast friend to the Department of Tourism and myself, since the beginning of the Marcos administration,” she said.  “The essential role of the Philippine Tour Operators Association cannot be overemphasized, and as Secretary of the Department of Tourism, I have seen this for myself, because PHILTOA–your members and officers, your Board of Directors, have always been there every step of the way, and in every single one of the new programs and innovations that we have tried to introduce to reinvigorate the industry,” the Secretary added.

PHILTOA is the largest association of inbound and domestic tour operators in the Philippines with over 447 accredited travel and tour companies, hoteliers, and other related tourism industry professionals. We are truly proud of our CEO for this opportunity that she was donned. We hope that she can help more people with her passion and dedication to the industry that we all love.