BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — The Aula Maria Conference Hall at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) served as the epicenter of professional development on May 16, 2026, for the Tourism Excellence Seminar Series 2026. This collaborative event drew a vibrant assembly of 84 Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students from Saint Mary’s University and 54 delegates from Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) – Bayombong Campus.

The seminar featured a powerhouse roster of resource speakers, each offering a deep dive into specialized sectors of the industry. Mrs. Patricia Mae C. Millor, an esteemed alumna of SMU’s BS Tourism Management (Batch 2014) and the current owner and manager of Travelesque, provided an expert masterclass on the intricate art of crafting competitive travel packages. Following this, Mr. Lyon Miguel Z. Jubay, a veteran eco-tour guide and trainer, demonstrated the nuances of top-tier tour guiding while emphasizing that a guide’s role is as much about cultural preservation as it is about guest satisfaction. Rounding out the sessions, celebrated content creator Mr. Ruben B. Baguio Jr. shared high-impact strategies for food and travel photography, teaching students how to leverage visual storytelling to boost destination marketing in an increasingly digital world.

The primary takeaway for the HTM and NVSU attendees was the realization of industry convergence, as participants learned that a modern tourism professional must be a multifaceted expert who functions simultaneously as a storyteller, a meticulous planner, and a visual strategist. Furthermore, the event was strategically aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering high-level competencies that directly support Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).

As the event concluded, the future leaders from SMU and NVSU emerged with more than just theoretical knowledge; they left with a renewed sense of purpose. Armed with industry secrets and a global perspective, these young professionals are now prepared to raise the bar and redefine excellence in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“Dream big, scale new heights, and always showcase excellence!”