Leslie Ann Oliveros Alcain, a Certified Tourism Professional (CTP) under the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) exemplifies the gold standard in tourism education. With more than a decade of professional teaching experience, she currently serves as College Instructor and Tourism Program Coordinator at Señor Tesoro College Inc. in Calasiao, Pangasinan, where she combines academic rigor with industry expertise to prepare globally competitive graduates.
A graduate of the University of Northern Philippines with a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management, she is now pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Metro Dagupan College. Her career includes teaching positions at the University of Luzon, Lyceum Northwestern University, and Universidad de Dagupan, as well as entrepreneurial experience as the former owner of Pizza Circle. Beyond the classroom, she is an active speaker, coach, and judge for regional and national tourism events, earning multiple accolades including Outstanding Professional Tourism Educator and Advocate of the Year (2023) and Exceptional and Passionate Tourism Advocate (2024). She also serves as Board Director for COHREP and Auditor for the Association of Hospitality and Tourism Trainers, Educators, and Professionals of Pangasinan.
Discovering ITHP – When asked, “How did you discover ITHP?” Leslie shared that she was first introduced to the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals during her participation in the Alliance in Hospitality Tourism Movers of the Philippines seminar. ” I discovered the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) during my participation in the Alliance in Hospitality Tourism Movers of the Philippines seminar. It was through this enlightening event that I was introduced to the network and vision of ITHP, which I then proudly shared with my fellow officers in our organization. Being recognized by the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (ITHP) has been a great honor and a highlight in my professional journey.” The experience opened her eyes to ITHP’s vision and network, which she proudly shared with her fellow officers. For her, being recognized by ITHP is both an honor and a highlight in her professional journey, as it affirms her dedication to service excellence and innovation in tourism education.
A Platform for Growth and Professional Credibility – In response to “In what ways has being part of ITHP contributed to your career growth?” she explained that ITHP has connected her to a wider professional community committed to educational excellence, innovation, and industry service. Access to global perspectives, professional development seminars, and timely industry updates has enriched her teaching methods and content, ensuring her lessons remain engaging, relevant, and aligned with industry needs.
“As a tourism educator, the importance of ITHP in my field cannot be overstated. It serves as a pillar of excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality education, offering educators like me the platform to connect with fellow professionals, align with international standards, and remain current with global trends. Through ITHP, I gain access to professional development opportunities, industry insights, and a network of committed leaders who share the same passion for nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals.”
“Most importantly, ITHP inspires me to raise the bar in my teaching practices and curriculum design. It reinforces my mission to produce service-oriented, globally competitive graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry. The recognition from ITHP is not only a personal achievement, but also a motivation to continue my commitment to excellence in tourism education.”
Recognition from ITHP has strengthened her professional credibility, opened doors to collaborations, and enhanced her leadership capacity as a mentor and program designer.
Enhancing Educational Impact – On “How has ITHP helped you in your current professional role?” Leslie noted, “Being part of the Institute of tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) has significantly contributed to my growth as a tourism educator. Since discovering ITHP during the Alliance in Hospitality Tourism Movers of the Philippines seminar and sharing it with my fellow officers, I have felt more connected to a broader professional community that values innovation, service, and educational excellence.”
“Through ITHP, I have gained access to timely industry updates, professional development seminars, and global perspectives that have enriched my teaching content and style. These resources help me deliver lessons that are not only aligned with industry needs but also engaging and relevant for today’s students.”
“Being recognized by ITHP has also boosted my professional credibility, opening doors to networking, leadership opportunities, and collaborations with fellow educators and industry experts. It has strengthened my confidence in mentoring students, designing industry-aligned programs, and advocating for quality tourism education”
“Most importantly, ITHP reinforces my commitment to lifelong learning. It challenges me to continuously reflect, improve, and lead by example, especially as I guide future tourism professionals toward excellence and global competitiveness.”
These insights directly enhance her ability to integrate real-world applications into her curriculum, producing service-oriented, globally competitive graduates.
“Being part of the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) has greatly enhanced my effectiveness and confidence in my current role as a tourism educator. ITHP has connected me to a dynamic network of educators, practitioners, and industry leaders, which has expanded my perspective on global trends, best practices, and educational innovations in tourism and hospitality.
The resources and seminars offered by ITHP keep me updated on the latest developments in sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and service standards, allowing me to integrate these insights into my lessons. This ensures that my students are not only learning theories but also gaining relevant, real-world knowledge that prepares them for the industry.
In addition, ITHP has empowered me to be more proactive in building partnerships, developing programs, and mentoring students with confidence and industry alignment. The recognition I received from ITHP has elevated my professional standing, inspiring me to uphold higher standards in both teaching and leadership within my institution.”
For Leslie, ITHP is more than a certification body—it is a partner in her mission to raise the bar in Philippine tourism education and to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.