DOT says Catriona Gray a ‘perfect’ tourism ambassador

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray makes a perfect tourism envoy.

“She is our perfect Tourism ambassador!” Puyat said after the Filipina-Australian beauty queen made a courtesy call to her on Tuesday.

Puyat made the comment a week after she said President Rodrigo Duterte is looking into appointing Gray as the tourism ambassador of the Philippines after her reign as Miss Universe.

The tourism chief was all praises as she recalled and commended the efforts of Gray to promote the country.

Puyat thanked Gray for her initiatives citing that through the beauty queen’s actions and words, she has shown the universe that it is more fun in the Philippines.

“For that matter, we can make it more fun forever,” Puyat said in a speech after the courtesy call.

"Cat has already been promoting the Philippines even before she won and thank you for that for promoting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. You have made our country proud," she said.

"Because of you becoming Miss Universe, the Philippines... there is now awareness all over the world," the secretary added.

Gray, meanwhile, said she is hopeful that she could boost the country’s tourism in her own way citing that it’s something she is passionate about.

She expressed a willingness to promote the entire Philippines.

READ: ‘Sana all': Catriona Gray wants to promote entire Philippines

Weeks before she competed for Miss Universe in Thailand last December, Gray and her team produced three tourism videos promoting the rich culture and heritage of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The 25-year-old Bicolana beauty was minted as the country’s fourth Miss Universe in December. She is now residing in New York to fulfill her duties as the pageant title-holder but she is in the country for her homecoming events.