CTHA 2025 to Recognize Excellence in Cebu’s Tourism and Hospitality Workforce

The Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) will once again shine a spotlight on the people behind Cebu’s thriving tourism sector through the 4th Cebu Tourism and Hospitality Awards (CTHA) scheduled on August 13, 2025 at Ayala Center Cebu.

Launched in the aftermath of the pandemic, the awards were envisioned as a platform to recognize individuals in the hospitality and tourism industry who have demonstrated outstanding service, resilience, and leadership.

“We’ve always envisioned CTHA to be an awards program for hospitality and tourism employees,” HRRACI President Mia Singson-Leon explained. “We want to highlight the high-caliber, high-quality people we have who are passionate and dedicated to delivering hospitality to the world.”

HRRACI President Mia Singson-Leon

The CTHA began in 2022 at a time when the industry was still reeling from the impact of COVID-19. Amid disruptions, shortened work hours, and health risks, many frontliners continued to serve guests with professionalism and care.

“Morale was very low then. We did not work full days and there was fear because we were still on the frontlines. But despite all that, people really showed their passion for what they do,” Singson-Leon  said. “Amid all the happenings, we realized that there were a lot of people who really stood out and really gave their all, and went above and beyond their responsibility.”

Award categories include Best Marketing Campaign of the Year, Sustainability Champion of the Year, Hotel & Resort Manager of the Year, Front and Heart of the House Employees of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Hospitality and Tourism Educator of the Year, said Ron Manalang, CTHA Chairman and Seda Central Bloc Cebu General Manager.

CTHA Chairman and Seda Central Bloc Cebu General Manager, Ron Manalang

“This will be the first time that we will hold the CTHA in the newly renovated mall Ayala Center Cebu. And this is also the first time that we're given the opportunity to have interactive booths,” Manalang said.

He emphasized that nominees are already seen as winners, bringing value to themselves and the properties they represent.

More than an internal recognition program, the CTHA also supports Cebu’s broader vision of becoming a globally competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, Singson-Leon said.

“To be a world-class MICE destination, you have to be able to deliver professional service through excellent attitude and a heart for service. If you do not have that, then you cannot be a world-class MICE destination,” she stressed. “That is why we believe these awards will help set the bar and inspire others in the industry.”

The awards also reflect the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the tourism value chain. HRRAC noted that their programs are carried out in close coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and local government units.

“There are things the private sector does well, but we cannot deliver the full experience without the support of government,” Singson-Leon said. “We want the Filipino brand of service not just in high-end hotels and resorts, but across all touchpoints—from shops and street food stalls to transport services.”

The Filipino Brand of Service program is delivered exclusively by DOT-certified trainers nationwide, ensuring quality and consistency in hospitality training across the country.

Now in its fourth year, the CTHA continues to shine a light on individuals who exemplify the very best of Cebu’s hospitality sector. By telling their stories and honoring their contributions, HRRAC hopes to inspire a ripple effect of passion, professionalism, and pride across the industry.

The 4th Cebu Tourism and Hospitality Awards (CTHA) is in Partnership with Ayala Center Cebu, Powered by Ng Khai and Endorsed by DOT Region VII. The event is also supported by the following sponsors: Converge, AppleOne Group,Seda Hotels Cebu of AyalaLand Hospitality, Filinvest Land, Inc., Globalinens Worldwide Inc., NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu, Delsan Office Systems Corporation, Mora, Sanchez, Meñoza and Associates as Official auditor and tabulator, Scoring Software provided by ALB IT Solutions, RMA News and the Cebu Online News Press Corps as Media Partners.