Tourism pioneer Alejandra “Dading” Clemente, founder of Rajah Tours Philippines, receives the Tourism Promotions Excellence Award during the MOPC Grand Tourism Excellence Awards 2025 at New World Makati Hotel. Presenting the award were First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, MOPC Chairman Tony Lopez, and MOPC President Eric Canoy.
Rajah Tours founder Alejandra “Dading” Clemente receives Tourism Promotions Excellence Award from First Lady Liza Marcos at the MOPC Grand Tourism Excellence Awards.
The award was presented by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, joined by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, MOPC Chairman Tony Lopez, and MOPC President Eric Canoy. Clemente was cited for her pioneering role in building the country’s inbound tourism industry and for promoting the Philippines as a premier global destination.
Builder of Philippine tour programs
Since co-founding Rajah Tours with her late husband Jose in 1972, Clemente has been a leading force in Philippine tourism. The company grew from a modest inbound operator into a respected group with international offices, transport services, and partnerships with hotels and airlines. It has received multiple Kalakbay Awards and Hall of Fame honors for inbound operations.
Clemente is also credited with organizing signature tour programs that strengthened ties between the Philippines and its global community. She spearheaded the VIP Tours (formerly Ambassador Tours), which opened local destinations to balikbayans, diplomats, and business leaders, and Winterscapade, a seasonal balikbayan package that drew overseas Filipinos and their families back to the country for heritage and leisure experiences.
Government underscores tourism’s value
In her keynote, the First Lady described tourism as a “potent tool for economic growth and cultural diplomacy,” stressing the importance of modern airports, smoother travel experiences, and public-private partnerships to keep the country competitive.
Tourism Secretary Frasco noted that the industry now employs nearly seven million Filipinos and contributed 8.9 percent of GDP in 2024. She credited pioneers like Clemente for laying the groundwork for today’s successes.
Corporate honorees share the stage
Alongside Alejandra “Dading” Clemente’s recognition, several leading corporations were also honored at the Manila Overseas Press Club’s Grand Tourism Excellence Awards. SM Investments Corporation was cited for its broad and integrated footprint in hospitality, retail, and leisure, reflecting the company’s influence in shaping the visitor experience across the country.
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Airports Business Unit received recognition for its management of key regional gateways, including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Laguindingan Airport in Northern Mindanao, and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. These hubs have played a critical role in connecting regional destinations with both domestic and international travelers.
Meanwhile, Clark Development Corporation was honored for transforming the Clark Freeport Zone into a premier tourism hub. The award highlighted how Clark has evolved into a dynamic destination offering lodging, shopping, dining, and entertainment, helping drive growth in Central Luzon’s tourism economy.
A lasting legacy
Clemente’s award underscored her enduring impact on the industry. Through Rajah Tours and her signature programs, she helped bring home generations of balikbayans, trained tourism professionals, and positioned the Philippines as a destination that blends heritage, culture, and world-class hospitality.
