More entries vie for HSMA’s Virtus Awards

MANILA, Philippines — The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) has noted a surge in the number of nominees for this year’s Virtus Awards, pointing out that increasing competition has resulted in the industry’s improved performance.

In a recent media briefing, HSMA Philippines president Christine Ann Ibarreta said they have received a total of 41 nominees for the awards to be handed out tonight, from 27 entries last year.

She added that the number of entries have doubled since they first launched the awards in 2015.

“Sales and marketing people are the ones looking for sources of revenue. We bring that to the table,” Ibarreta said.

HSMA Philippines chair Margarita Munsayac said giving recognition through the awards not only elevates the hotel sales and marketing profession, but also motivates management to take care of their staff, which in turn inspires sales and marketing professionals to become more passionate about their job.

“By igniting their passion, we hope to excite the market, deliver rigorous business, make our hearts beat a little faster, and yes, shake our world,” former HSMA president and Virtus chairperson Rose Libongco said.

“That we are able to launch and consistently deliver year on year is a feat we are immensely proud of and hope to accomplish till Virtus becomes a byword and the winners become synonymous with the mark of excellence,” she added.

Libongco also said that the larger number of nominees this year is also a result of the efforts of the HSMA board to lure in more entries.

The awards feature four main categories: Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate, Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager, Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader and Outstanding Marketing Campaign.

 This year’s nominees for individual categories are regular employees who have served in a HSMA member-property for at least one year, including the covered period of April 1, 2017 to March 30, 2018, and no past and/or pending administrative or criminal case.

For the three individual categories, nominees will be judged based on three key factors, particularly, customer orientation and business-specific knowledge; teamwork and interpersonal relationships; and commitment to continuing education.

In contrast, for the outstanding marketing campaign award, nominees will be judged based on  marketing objectives and content; creativity and innovation; results/return on investment; and presentation.

“Over the years, we are pleased to see a diverse group of winners spanning various positions in sales and marketing which bolster our pitch that ‘Everyone is a Salesman’,” Libongco said.