Sales and Marketing may be one of the toughest roles in any industry. Promoting, selling and attracting potential customers is just the tip of the iceberg in the grand scheme of things especially in the tourism industry.

In recognition of outstanding Sales and Marketing service and to promote the spirit of excellence in the Travel and Tourism Industry, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association ( HSMA ) in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines organized the 1st ever biggest and most prestigious Sales and Marketing Competition in the Travel and Tourism Industry.

Virtus which is the Latin translation for excellence is the main theme of the awards. The award aims to honor exemplary and excellent performance in three individual Sales and Marketing categories - associate, manager, leader. These categories cover the positions in

●Room Sales

●Events Management

●Catering

●Reservation

●Public Relations and Communication

●Revenue Management

This initiative will also recognize The Marketing Campaign of the Year, built around a single, unified theme using at least two different types of media.

"We are excited to present the Virtus Awards, which we envisage to transform the mindset of sales and marketing professionals in our industry, and set the tone for excellence. It brings to focus the key role they play in the country's travel ans tourism industry as they drive the bottom line value of their hotel properties, and maximize return on investment" said Ms. Margie Munsayac, PRESIDENT of HSMA at the recently held media launch of the Virtus Awards at Diamond Hotel, Manila.

HSMA has been around for 38 long, excellent years currently comprised of the 60 Hotel and Resort Properties nationwide in its' roster of members. Their commitment is to grow their member's businesses by fueling sales, inspiring marketing and optimizing revenue.

Focused strongly on education, HSMA has become the industry's top notch training ground for some Sales and Marketing Professionals through workshops, seminars and conferences with focus on selling skills, marketing trends, creativity, communications, change management, current events, economy and travel forecasts.

Ms. Rose Libongco, Overall Chair for the Virtus Awards, adds "The Virtus Awards comes at a most opportune time. With the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015, the prioritization of the country's travel and tourism industry opens a unique window of opportunity for local stakeholders to benefit from, as well as to cope with the challenges of regional integration".

"The ASEAN tourism market is expanding steadily over the years, reaching 94 million in 2013, with more ASEAN nationals travelling around ASEAN countries. The Virtus Awards aims to position Filipino sales and marketing professionals well in a wider marketplace as more properties open in the region and particularly in the Philippines", according to Libongco.

Amongst their many illustrious guests at the launching of the maiden competition at the Diamond Hotel last May 28 was Tourism Promotions Board COO Ramon "Chicoy" Enerio III, General Managers and Director of Sales and Marketing of member Hotel and Resort Properties and the media.

The deadline for submission of entries is on September 15 of this year. The most trusted, experienced and reliable names in the travel and tourism industry, members of the academe and thought leaders in the fields of advertising, public relations, media and digital marketing comprise the panel of judges. Judging of shortlisted entries is set on October 15, 2015.

Some of the criteria for judging are as follows per category:

1. Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate

● basic competencies

● interpersonal relationship with the team

● customer service  and business specific knowledge

● commitment to continuing education

2. Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager

● leadership and mentoring skills

● creativity and innovation in marketing

● client relationship building and retention

● sales revenue achievement

3. Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader

● leadership and mentoring skills

● creativity and innovation in marketing

● client relationship building and retention

● sales revenue achievement

4. Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year

● marketing objectives

● creativity and innovation

● content

● results

● budget/return on investment

All entries must be submitted ONLINE.

Eligible participants are MEMBERS of HSMA who have demonstrated outstanding performance in Sales and Marketing during the period of January 1, 2014 - December 31? 2014.

Entry fees are:

Early entry (15 July - 15 August 2015) P2,500 per entry

Late entry ( 1 - 15 September 2015) P3,500 per entry.

There will be a black tie gala dinner on November 27, 2015 as a pinnacle celebration of this years' winners, with an expectation to attract nearly 500 key influencers in the tourism and travel industry.

To reward the best and the brightest, to honor hardwork and exemplary effort to ensure the growth and success of their respective businesses in the travel and tourism industry is how excellent the VIRTUS AWARDS is.

For more information on the 2015 VIRTUS AWARDS please visit their website HSMA. You may also call the awards secretariat at telephone numbers 02.926.0224 or 514.57.14 or shoot them an email at  VIRTUS.

Congratulations HSMA and goodluck to all the contenders!