Glenn J. Benzon is a powerhouse in Philippine hospitality and tourism education, blending academic rigor with real-world industry expertise. As Instructor II and College Coordinator for Extension Services and Community Involvement at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, he has been shaping future hoteliers and tourism leaders since 2009. His professional journey includes frontline roles such as Manager of the UNP Hostel, Consultant at Rivers’ Mixology Bar, and Food and Beverage Attendant at Hotel Salcedo de Vigan, providing him with a practical foundation that enriches his teaching.
A multi-certified professional, Glenn holds TESDA National Certificates in Bartending and Housekeeping, as well as credentials in training and assessment—qualifications that have made him a sought-after speaker, trainer, and judge in competitions across the Ilocos Region. His leadership has guided students to national victories, while his community initiatives—from eco-tourism programs to Filipino food heritage workshops—reflect his belief in hospitality as a transformative force for both individuals and communities.
Discovering ITHP – When asked, “How did you discover ITHP?” Glenn shared, “I discovered ITHP through a targeted search on Facebook, aligning with my proactive approach to professional development in the hospitality industry. Upon reviewing their mission and strategic goals, I was immediately impressed by their commitment to providing globally recognized certifications like the CHP® and CTP®, and their vision to be the leading institute for developing top hospitality and tourism professionals. What resonated most with me was ITHP’s focus on creating awareness of the value of hospitality professionals, establishing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge, developing a roadmap for continuing professional growth, and recognizing qualified professionals through a global certification process. These objectives perfectly align with my personal career goals and my passion for excellence in hospitality. The discovery of ITHP has reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous learning and networking in our dynamic industry, and I’m excited about the potential opportunities for growth and recognition that engagement with ITHP could bring to my career journey.”
These objectives, focused on continuous learning, recognition, and industry leadership, resonated deeply with his career goals.
Filling the Professional Credential Gap – In response to “In what ways has being a part of ITHP contributed to your career growth?” Glenn explained that, since his course lacked a professional licensure exam, ITHP’s certification program filled that critical gap—boosting his confidence, credibility, and competitiveness.
“Being a part of the ITHP has been instrumental in my career growth, especially because my course did not include a professional licensure exam. The Certification Program has filled this important gap, providing me with essential credentials that have greatly boosted my professional confidence. Through ITHP, I’ve gained fresh and up-to-date knowledge of the hospitality industry on a global scale, which has been invaluable in enhancing my expertise and keeping me competitive in the field.
The program has given me access to current industry trends, best practices, and international perspectives that I wouldn’t have obtained otherwise. This global outlook has broadened my professional horizons and made me more adaptable to diverse hospitality environments.
The continuous learning aspect of ITHP has instilled in me a commitment to ongoing professional development, which is crucial in our rapidly evolving industry. The ITHP has not only compensated for the absence of a traditional licensure exam in my course but has also propelled my career growth by providing me with recognized credentials, cutting-edge knowledge, and a global professional network in the hospitality sector.”
The program expanded his knowledge with updated global hospitality insights, best practices, and international perspectives, broadening his adaptability and professional network while instilling a commitment to lifelong learning.
Enhancing Education with Real-World Relevance – On “How has ITHP helped you in your current professional role?” Glenn emphasized that ITHP has allowed him to integrate current industry trends and global perspectives into his teaching, ensuring students are equipped with relevant, real-world skills. Networking opportunities have enriched his industry connections, while the Hospitality Management Professional Certification has strengthened his credibility as an educator.
“As an educator in tourism and hospitality management, ITHP has significantly enhanced my professional role in several ways.
First, the up-to-date industry knowledge provided by ITHP has allowed me to enrich my teaching strategies with current hospitality industry trends, best practices, and global perspectives. This ensures that my students receive an education that is directly applicable to the real-world hospitality industry.
Second, the networking opportunities have helped me build valuable industry connections, focusing on industry research, while the continuous learning aspect has supported my professional growth and encouraged lifelong learning.
Third, the Hospitality Management Professional Certification has bolstered my credibility as an educator and has helped me bridge the gap between academia and industry. This enhancement of my skills has improved my ability to mentor students, aligning closely with current industry needs and expectations, significantly improving the quality and relevance of the education I provide to future hospitality professionals.”
This bridge between academia and industry has not only enhanced his mentorship capabilities but also aligned his teaching with the evolving demands of the hospitality profession.