The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. has been appointed as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Manila, following the signing of his appointment paper by Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel and its transmittal to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
With a distinguished career spanning four decades in tourism and hospitality, Bengzon brings unmatched expertise in policy, bilateral negotiations, and market development. As former Undersecretary for Tourism Development, he played a pivotal role in forging the Philippines–Maldives Air Services Agreement in 2018, laying the groundwork for stronger connectivity and tourism cooperation between the two island nations.
Now, as Honorary Consul, Bengzon plans to deepen partnerships between the Philippines and Maldives in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. His priorities include facilitating investments, promoting two-way tourism, and supporting Maldivians living in the country.
“The Philippines and Maldives share common strengths as archipelagic nations with world-class tourism potential. I hope to leverage these complementarities to expand collaboration, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and unlock new opportunities for both our countries,” Bengzon said.
Maldives, with its 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean, is globally renowned for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine biodiversity. Bengzon sees strong potential for collaboration in areas such as sustainable tourism practices, hospitality training, and joint promotions that can benefit both destinations.
Beyond his consular role, Bengzon continues to lead PHOA’s strategic programs, addressing policy issues that affect the association’s 221 member hotels and resorts nationwide. His combined leadership in tourism and diplomacy positions him uniquely to champion partnerships that align with the Philippines’ broader hospitality and economic growth agenda.
Bengzon holds a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from UP Diliman, an MBA from Ateneo Graduate School of Business, and a Master’s in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at UP Diliman.