Congratulations to Baguio City for its Triumph at the 2024 ATOP Pearl Awards!
— October 12, 2024
Congratulations to Baguio City for its Triumph at the 2024 ATOP Pearl Awards!
October 10, 2024 – Baguio City has once again showcased its tourism leadership, earning ten major accolades at the 2024 ATOP Tourism Pearl Awards, including the prestigious Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) and Best Tourism Video awards. This remarkable achievement highlights Baguio’s dedication to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
The ATOP National Convention and Pearl Awards, held in South Cotabato, celebrate exceptional tourism programs across the country. Baguio's innovative initiatives were recognized for promoting responsible tourism, positioning the city as a leader in the industry.
City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, and staff from the Baguio Tourism Office and BTC proudly accepted the awards. Ms. Vergara expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This victory belongs to every Baguio resident. It reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing sustainable practices that benefit both locals and visitors.”
BTC Co-Chair, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, shared his pride in the city's achievements, acknowledging that these awards reflect collective success and strong leadership in steering Baguio's tourism strategy towards sustainability and inclusivity.
Baguio's victories spanned a variety of categories, including:
- Best Tourism-Oriented LGU: Baguio City – Grand Champion
- Best Tourism Promotion - Video: Grand Winner
- Best Tourism Promotion Brochure: 2nd Runner Up
- Best Event Hosting (Local): An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 – First Runner Up
- Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration: HRAB’s 16th Annual HRT Week in Baguio – First Runner Up
- Best Sports Tourism Event: Sang-atan Bike Festival 2023 – First Runner Up
- Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism: Baguio Country Club’s Sustainable Practices – Special Citation
- Best Cultural Festival: Gong Festival – First Runner Up
- Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts: Montañosa Film Festival 2023 – First Runner Up
- Best Community-Based Tourism Program: Baguio Pony Boys – Second Runner Up
These accolades reaffirm Baguio's ability to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability and cultural stewardship. From sustainable practices to vibrant cultural festivals and community-based initiatives, Baguio continues to lead in both innovation and heritage conservation.
Ms. Vergara emphasized the collaborative effort behind these achievements, saying, “These awards reflect our collective vision for a sustainable, culturally vibrant city. It is a triumph for every Baguio resident, our creative community, and all who work tirelessly to make our city a model of responsible tourism.”
The ATOP Pearl Awards celebrate tourism excellence across the Philippines, and Baguio's multiple wins reaffirm its status as a premier destination. The city continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, cool climate, and leadership in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community.
