DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Shahlimar Tamano is one of the recipients of the 30th SKAL Tourism Personality Awardees by SKAL International Makati. He is awarded for region director category.
The SKAL Tourism Personality Award recognizes individuals in the travel and tourism industry who have stood out during these unprecedented times. The recognition ceremony will be on Nov. 18, 2021 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 in the midst of 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.
In an interview, Tamano said he was humbled by the recognition.
“What they see here in Central Visayas is the product of constant collaboration between the public and private. Local chief executives, legislators, the regional offices, tourism associations, and of course the staff of DOT 7 and the offices and groups mentioned. Our focus remains with the workers affected by this pandemic. We move fast when we see potentials for improving incomes and provide support to those that need to be sustained to keep afloat,” he said.
“Modesty aside, I haven’t worked from home since day one last year and will continue to do so until the end of these difficulties. We hope that ultimately our programs, though mostly not publicized, are felt by the Filipinos, returning overseas Filipino workers, and our investors as well,” Tamano added.
Skal International Makati is also awarding other selected personalities like former tourism secretary Mina Gabor, now president of International School of Sustainable Tourism Philippines, for farm tourism category; Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), for government services category; Michael Jaey Albaña, Conrad Hotel Commercial director, five-star hotel category; Angel Ramos Bognot, president of Afro Asian World of Events and Nitas, for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions category; Sarah Monzon Po, director for operations of Hotel FleurisPalawan, president of Team Philippines-Mimaropa Chapter, owner and general manager of Aji Travel and Tour Corp., for travel agent category.
Other awardees are Farid Schoucair, Heritage Hotel Manila general manager for four-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 annual event is organized in partnership with the TPB, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Airlines 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. (KOC with PR)