HSMA unveils new initiatives to revive tourism in PH

Are you itching to pack your bags and explore the beauty of the Philippines? The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) of the Philippines is taking steps to revive tourism and hospitality, helping you fulfill your travel dreams.

At their recent First General Membership Meeting, HSMA announced several campaigns intending to bring back life to the country’s tourism industry. Moreover, they presented the new Board of Trustees for 2023 that will work towards achieving this goal.

“HSMA moves forward this 2023, as we spread our wings and write a new chapter in HSMA’s notable 44 years of history,” said Loleth So, the newly elected president.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the keynote speaker at the induction, likewise emphasized the huge opportunity to boost the economy through domestic travel.

Alongside HSMA and other industry players, Frasco said this can be achieved “through close coordination with our mayors, our governors, our district representatives, recognizing that none of these plans and policies will work without the help, the coordination, and collaboration of our local officials.”

Strategies to revive the hospitality and travel industry

HSMA’s first event for the year is the 2023 Philippine Tour Operators Association-Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Travel Exchange 2023 (PHILTOA-HSMA TravEx), taking place on March 28 and 29 at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

A total of 88 HSMA members will be showcasing their properties to 120 PHILTOA members and travel partners in a tabletop business setup, creating new synergies to drive domestic travel through their services and destinations.

This September, HSMA will be holding its highly anticipated September Online Sale (SOS), where you can enjoy incredible discounts and exclusive deals from HSMA’s member properties.

Finally, continuing its tradition of celebrating outstanding leaders and campaigns in hotel sales and marketing, HSMA will again be holding the prestigious Virtus Awards, now in its ninth edition.

“We have weathered the pandemic storm together, now is the time to collaborate and recover as one HSMA – #TheWayForward!” said So. 

HSMA’s new Board of Trustees

HSMA’s new board is led by President Loleth So, who is also the Area Director of Sales and Marketing of Belmont and Savoy Hotel Manila. Members are Vice President Cristina Carreon (Manila Marriott’s Marketing Director of Sales and Distribution), Secretary Amie Villena (Four Points Sheraton Palawan Director for Sales and Marketing), Treasurer Desiree Rose de Guzman (Astoria Hotels and Resorts Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing), Director of Programs Jennylyn Santillan (City of Dreams Manila Director of Sales and Marketing), Director of Ways and Means Wenie Maligaya (Newport World Resorts Director of Sales and Marketing), Director of Education Lynette Ermac (Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Group Director of Sales and Marketing), Director for Membership Tet Romualdo (General Manager of the Linden Suites), and Public Relations Director Cielo Reboredo (Okada Manila Vice President of Sales and Marketing – Hospitality and Management).

The HSMA is the premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders in the Philippines. Its members comprise heads of sales and marketing executives of accredited hospitality properties in the country. It currently has over 150 members nationwide.

Featured image: El Nido, Palawan (credit: Canva)