Ex-DOT spox Bengzon is new executive director of Philippine hotel owners' org

MANILA, Philippines — Former tourism undersecretary and spokesperson Benito “Bong” Bengzon is taking on a new role as executive director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association.

Bengzon assumes his new post at the non-profit and non-stock organization composed of owners of the country’s major accommodation providers including hotels, resorts, and service apartments, PHOA, more than two months since he retired from government service.

During his stint at DOT, Bengzon, undersecretary for Tourism Development, was involved in development planning, strategy formulation, bilateral negotiations, marketing, investments promotion, and product development. He also spearheaded the crafting of the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan.

He served the tourism agency for 35 years.

As he joins an organization closely associated with the tourism industry, Bengzon is committed to help make PHOA the dominant voice in representing private businesses in the accommodation sector.

For his new role, he promised to make meaningful and sustain contributions to the advocacy of the association.

PHOA has been pooling together talents and resources that advocate the development of the Philippine accommodation industry.

During the pandemic, the association continued to seek partnerships with esteemed organizations to provide more exclusive trainings that will further develop high-quality service among its hotel members.

“PHOA remains committed to representing the business owners in the accommodation sector, more importantly, in forums where government policies are involved,” it said.

Meanwhile, PHOA president Arthur Lopez welcomed Bengzon’s new post in the organization.

“With his vast experience and wide knowledge about the tourism industry in the Philippines, we are confident that Mr. Bengzon will help PHOA and its hotel members in improving the quality of service that we provide,” Lopez said.

“We are glad that an experienced public servant has joined PHOA. I am sure that our association and the hotel industry stakeholders will be properly represented in all our public and private engagements,” he added.