Top SKAL award goes to Lucio Tan

SKAL International Makati, in cooperation with NewWorld Hotel, will give out its 23rd Tourism Personality Awards as it celebrates its 32nd anniversary at the hotel on Sept. 5.

SKAL—a Scandinavian acronym for Sundhet (Health), Karlek (Love), Alder (Long life) and Lyca (Happiness)—was the name given to the organization that was established by travel managers in Paris in 1932. To date, the organization has more than 500 clubs under its umbrella, with 25,000 tourism executives and managers in 85 countries.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, chair emeritus of SKAL International Makati, and SKAL president Robert Lim Joseph and vice president Jaime J. Bautista, who is also the chair of this year’s awards committee, will lead the presentation of awards to 16 individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Philippine travel and tourism industry.

To receive the Hall of Fame Award, the highest distinction, for his lifetime achievement in the tourism industry is Lucio Tan. Other awardees include Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. (his second consecutive year), Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr., GMA Network chair Felipe Gozon and Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Arthur Tugade.

Also to be cited are newspaper columnist Honey Loop Jarque, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts chair Johnny Chan, Bulong Pulungan chair Deedee Sytangco, Qatar Airways country manager Abdallah Okasha, Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, La Isla Magazine chair and publisher Timmy Tan, travel columnist Christine Dayrit, Baron Travel president and CEO Marilen SandejasYaptangco, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa founder and CEO Emmanuel Gonzales, and multimedia personality Kris Aquino.