MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly announced that the Philippines clinched the coveted “Destination of the Year Award” at the Routes Asia 2025 Awards held in Perth, Australia.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco gave credit to the department’s partners and stakeholders in the aviation and travel industry, saying it is the “unwavering focus on connectivity, and our collective vision of positioning the Philippines as a premier global destination” that made the award possible.
“This recognition reflects the tireless work of the Department of Tourism under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to elevate Philippine tourism through enhanced air access, infrastructure development, and strategic alliances,” Frasco enthused.
The Routes Awards celebrate the collaboration and highlight best practices within the route development authority, taking stock of partnerships built between airlines, airports and the destinations they serve, according to Routes Asia’s official website.
The Routes Asia Awards recognize excellence in air service development and marketing across the Asia-Pacific region. Seen as the “most valuable awards in the route development community”, these awards highlight collaboration between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. Routes Asia is an annual forum that connects aviation and tourism stakeholders to shape future air services, the DOT stated.
According to the Tourism Department, the country’s recognition as “Destination of the Year” winner underscores its strong leadership in expanding the Philippines’ air connectivity through strategic marketing, robust industry collaboration, and sustainable tourism initiatives, the DOT added.
Through its flagship campaign “Love the Philippines”, the country’s diverse biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and emerging destinations were highlighted, demanding for an enhanced connectivity as a strategic objective to improve access and inclusivity in Philippine tourism, the DOT explained.
Data from DOT shows that as of February 28, 2025, 46 new domestic and 47 international routes are in operation, improving access to destinations such as Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron, among others.
According to the DOT, Secretary Frasco has also been leading aviation-focused efforts in close coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other government agencies and private partners, advocating for the modernization and retrofitting of key airports nationwide.
The Department continues to champion improvements in airport service quality and operational efficiency, while actively lobbying for the restoration of suspended routes, increasing flight frequencies, and mounting more inter-island services to improve regional access, the DOT added.
Cebu Pacific recognized as "Best Airline"; other nominations
The country’s low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific, received recognition as Best Airline—its second consecutive win—reinforcing its role as a leader in Philippine aviation, the DOT confirmed.
According to the DOT, the airline launched 31 new routes, resumed hub operations in Davao and Iloilo, and expanded to destinations like Kaohsiung, Chiang Mai, and Sapporo in 2024.
It also placed the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history—152 Airbus jets worth USD 24 billion—and amplified its global visibility through the Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines! campaign.
The Philippines also earned nominations in two key airport categories this year: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in the 5–20 Million Passengers category, and Clark International Airport (CRK) in the Under 5 Million Passengers category. Both airports were previously recognized—Clark in 2024 and Mactan-Cebu in 2023—for their remarkable growth and route development strategies, the DOT shared.
Secretary Frasco expressed her gratitude to partner airlines and the broader aviation ecosystem for their continued support.
“We express our deep appreciation to our partner airlines and the entire aviation sector for their firm commitment to improving connectivity and expanding access to and within our archipelagic nation,” Secretary Frasco remarked.
“Air connectivity is vital to the growth of Philippine tourism. These advancements not only unlock more destinations across the country, but also provide greater ease and convenience for travelers—offering even more reasons for visitors and tourists to Love the Philippines,” she said.
The Routes Asia 2025 Philippine delegation included representatives from the DOT, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Aboitiz GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (AGMCAC), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
The Destination of the Year Award was personally received by DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, Director Warner Andrada, Tourism Attaché for Australia and New Zealand Purificacion Suanding-Molintas, along with the rest of the DOT delegation during the awarding ceremonies in Perth.
