1st VIRTUS AWARDS for 2015 Grand Launch by HSMA

2015 Virtus Awards: Philippines’ first hotel sales and marketing competition for hotel and tourism industry

                                                     

Manila, May 28, 2015- The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines formally launched 2015 VIRTUS Awards at the Diamond Hotel. The Virtus Awards will be the biggest and most prestigious sales and marketing competition in the travel and tourism industry in the Philippines.

Virtus Awards 2015 will honor excellence in three individual sales and marketing categories – Associate, Manager, Leader – covering positions in room sales, events management, catering, reservation, public relations and communication, and revenue management.

 

Margie Munsayac- President, Hotel Sales & Marketing Association Inc

The multi-category initiative also recognizes a Marketing Campaign of the Year, built around a single, unified theme, using at least two different types of media. “We are excited to present the Virtus Awards, which we envisage to transform the mindset of sales and marketing professionals in our industry, and set the tone for excellence. It brings to focus the key role they play in the country’s travel and tourism industry as they drive the bottom line value of their hotel properties and maximize return on investment”, said Margie Munsayac, President of HSMA.

 

Christine Ann U. Ibarreta-Director of Sales and Marketing, AVP- Sales, FilXenos Marketing Consultancy

The Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA) is 38 years old. Currently comprising 60 hotel and resort properties nationwide in its roster of members, HSMA is committed to growing business for their members by fueling sales, inspiring marketing, and optimizing revenue. With a strong focus on education, HSMA has become the industry champion in training and developing sales and marketing professionals through workshops, seminars and conferences with focus on selling skills, marketing trends, creativity, communication, change management, current events, economy, and travel forecasts. 

Rose Libongco- Director of Sales and Marketing, Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Rose Libongco, Overall Chair for the Virtus Awards, adds “The Virtus Awards comes at a most opportune time. With the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015, the prioritization of the country’s travel and tourism industry opens a unique window of opportunity for local stakeholders to benefit from, as well as to cope with the challenges of regional integration”. The ASEAN tourism market is expanding steadily over the years, reaching 94 million in 2013, with more ASEAN nationals travelling around ASEAN countries. "The Virtus Awards aims to position Filipino sales and marketing professionals well in a wider marketplace as more properties open in the region and particularly in the Philippines", according to Libongco.

 

Pillars of the hotel and tourism industry in the Philippines with TBP COO Mr. Chicoy Enerio III and Mr. Pete Dacuycuy

During the 2015 Virtus Awards launch last May 28 at the Diamond Hotel, Tourism Promotions Board COO Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III graced the event with encouraging words for the hotel and tourism industry while highlighting exciting campaigns for the country’s tourism. General Managers and Directors of Sales and Marketing of member hotel and resort properties, and the media were also present on this momentous occasion.   

Tourism Promotions Board COO Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III

Tourism Promotions Board COO Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III obligatory selfie with the audience

Deadline of entries is on September 15, 2015. Advocates of the travel and tourism industry, members of the academe and thought leaders in the fields of advertising, public relations, media and digital marketing comprise the panel of judges. Judging of shortlisted entries is set on October 15. “The black-tie gala dinner on November 27, is a pinnacle celebration of this year’s first set of winners, expected to attract nearly 500 key influencers in the tourism and travel industry”, states Ms. Libongco.

Information on the 2015 Virtus Awards is available at www.hsmaph.com. You may also call the awards Secretariat at telephone numbers (02) 926.0224, 514.5714 or e-mail at Virtusph@gmail.com for details.

Exquisite line-up of French cuisine dishes for the guests

Treasured photo with Tourism Board of the Philippines COO Mr. Chicoy Enerio III

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