For five consecutive years, the Philippines clinched the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination title at the preeminent World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on September 6.

As a dive advocate and certified diver herself, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco announced the remarkable win, enthusiastically saying that it is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and the strengthened collaboration with tourism stakeholders.

DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano personally received the trophy, which was awarded based on public votes and validation from the group’s panel of travel professionals.

Moreover, the Philippine private tourism stakeholders also took home notable wins at the WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023, named in the following categories:

• Discovery Shores Boracay (Philippines’ Leading Beach Resort 2023)
• Travelite Travel and Tours Co. (Philippines’ Leading Destination Management Company, 2023)
• Seda Hotels (Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group 2023)

On the WTA website, the winning streak of the Philippines started in 2019, and its frequent opponents are Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

This year, Indonesia won the ‘Asia’s Leading Beach Destination’ awards, which the Philippines achieved from 2020 to 2022.