𝐋𝐆𝐔-𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Malay, Aklan- The Local Government Unit of Malay, under the leadership of Hon. Frolibar Sacapaño Bautista and through the Municipal Tourism Office headed by Chief Tourism Operations Officer Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos Jr., officially opened the Tourism Week 2025 celebration on September 16, 2025, at Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa, Boracay.

This year’s celebration carries the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, highlights the crucial role of tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship.

The opening program was graced by Ms. Michelle Tylan, President of the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and Founding Chairman of OneKlik Travel Events Management Services. In her keynote address, Ms. Tylan highlights GTBA’s commitment to serve as a strong partner of LGU-Malay in promoting Boracay and the municipality as a whole. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to position Malay as a Halal and Muslim-friendly destination, broadening its market reach and reinforcing inclusivity in the local tourism industry.

One of the highlights of the event was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony between LGU-Malay and GTBA, symbolizing a united effort to strengthen Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism programs in the municipality. The ceremony was witnessed by esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Hon. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Governor of Aklan, H.E. Dato Abdul Malik Melvin, Ambassador of Malaysia, Ms. Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts; where they delivered a message of support for LGU-Malay’s sustainable tourism initiatives, RD Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Region VI, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Niño Carlos F. Cawaling and Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos Jr., the Chief Tourism Operations Officer of Malay.

The successful launch of Tourism Week 2025 also marks the beginning of a weeklong series of activities designed to celebrate and promote Malay’s rich tourism culture, environmental advocacies, and community-driven initiatives.