Which Philippine Hotels Have Best Shown ‘Pandemic-Proof Resilience’?

When the pandemic struck the Philippines earlier this year, the hospitality industry was one of those greatly affected. While most hotels in the Philippines had to shut down, others found ways to continue operating to cater those in need. Some have gradually reopened following health and safety measures. As the year comes to a close, a number of these hotels will be recognised for their efforts through the acclaimed Virtus Awards 2020.

Spearheaded by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Philippines (HSMA), the premier organisation of sales and marketing leaders in Philippine hospitality, the event is back for its sixth edition, this time to highlight the responses and initiatives of its 150 member-hotels and resorts in the Philippines. As in past years, it will also acknowledge their “stories of success in revenue generation, capturing market share, and customer satisfaction.”

Also read: Slowly But Surely: Here’s What Tourism Reopening Looks Like in The Philippines

Recognitions that await the winners of Virtus Awards 2020

In the Virtus Awards 2020, the four coveted awards for Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate; Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager, Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader, and Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year will be given. For hotels and resorts that have shown extraordinary efforts while battling the pandemic, HSMA is proud to introduce the Champions of Resilience Awards.

“It is a timely reminder of the determination, innovation, and commitment of hotel sales and marketing professionals across the country who have been working extremely hard to reopen, to welcome guests back safely, and to continue to provide excellent service,” HSMA Chair Margarita Munsayac said.

The new category will recognise both individual property or group of properties and an individual or team who have shown creativity and resilience in providing a safe environment for guests and in alleviating the economic impact of the pandemic.

The nominations will be done from within the member properties in time for the judging set to ensue next month. Also done in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines with the support of Atlantis Systems Asia and Isentia, the Virtus Awards 2020 will take place on 7 Dec 2020 with a limited number of guests. Live online viewing will be made available for ₱500 per person.

Also read: COVID-19 Philippines Travel Advisory for Filipinos & Foreign Visitors

The significance of the awards in these challenging times

Amid the crisis, the Virtus Awards 2020 is not just about glitz and glamour as hotels and hotel professionals celebrate their key milestones for the year, but more importantly, putting out a message of solidarity among the local hospitality industry. “We still wanted to show the industry that whatever crisis we go through, we can weather it with grit and grace. We still have the strength, resolve, and courage to face difficulties head on,” shared HSMA President Christine Ann Ibarreta.

Furthermore, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel sales and marketing community has shown an indomitable spirit, according to Virtus Awards Chair Rose Libongco. “When down and out, Sales and Marketing get up and roll in, when pushed against a wall, they break the wall; when down in the dumps, they dig for the gold. Sales and Marketing continue to be the lifeblood for the company — always working, thinking, creating, never giving up,” she said.

At the media launch of Virtus Awards 2020 held earlier this month, Guillermo Luz — the Chief Resilience Officer and Advisor of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and Chair of the Liveable Cities Challenge — remarked that the event is both timely and inspiring. “I believe that the strongly-ingrained Filipino traits of care, hospitality, and service will lead to the revival of the hospitality industry in the Philippines.”

Special thanks to the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines and MG Asia Public Relations for inviting TripZilla Philippines to the online media launch of Virtus Awards 2020.