MANILA – The Philippines is focused on defending its titles, as well as continue its winning streak for awards across multiple categories for the 2024 World Travel Awards, reaffirming its status as a world-renowned destination.
This was affirmed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) following its recent triumph as Asia’s best in various categories during the country’s hosting of the WTA’s Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony.
According to the DOT, the country was honoured as Asia’s Leading Beach, Dive Destination, and Island Destination in the WTA Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held last September 3, 2024 in Manila.
Intramuros was also recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, while Boracay earned the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination, and the “Love the Philippines” campaign was celebrated as Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign, the DOT stated.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was also awarded the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance, underscoring her impactful contributions to the industry, the DOT stated.
The Philippines was a shining star at the 31st World Travel Awards, sweeping a remarkable total of eight awards during the Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 at the City of Dreams on Tuesday, Sept. 3 (Caption and photo courtesy of DOT)
For the 31st WTA, the country is nominated in the following categories:
World’s Leading Beach Destination
World’s Leading Dive Destination
World’s Leading Island Destination
World’s Leading City Destination: Manila
World’s Leading Wedding Destination: Cebu
World’s Leading Tourist Attraction: Intramuros
World’s Leading Marketing Campaign: Love the Philippines by the Department of Tourism
World’s Leading Tourist Board: Department of Tourism
In 2023, the country clinched the World’s Leading Beach Destination, World’s Leading Dive Destination, World’s Leading City Destination for Manila, as well as an inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Award in the 30th WTA, the DOT highlighted.
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude for the continued recognition, emphasizing the Philippines' commitment to providing memorable experiences for travellers worldwide.
“We are delighted to see the Philippines consistently earn its well-deserved spot on the global stage. Time and again, these nominations in the World Travel Awards further highlight the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of our islands, and they reflect the passion and dedication of the Filipino people,” Frasco enthused.
“Each nomination is a celebration of our unique experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome travellers from around the world to discover more of what there is to love in our country’s diverse regions,” Frasco added.
The DOT also acknowledged the private sector players in the Philippines as they have also gained the attention of the world this year, highlighting the country’s breadth of world-class travel offerings.
Notable private sector nominees include:
Cebu Pacific for the World’s Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline
Savoy Hotel Manila for the World’s Leading Airport Hotel
Discovery Primea for World’s Leading Business Hotel
City of Dreams Manila and Okada Manila for World’s Leading Casino Resort
Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery for World’s Leading Design Hotel
Amanpulo and Atmosphere Resorts & Spa for World’s Leading Dive Resort
City of Dreams Manila for World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort
Raffles Makati for World’s Leading Hotel Residences
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila and Ascott Makati for World’s Leading Serviced Apartments
El Nido, Pangulasian Island for World’s Leading Themed Resort
Amanpulo for World’s Leading Luxury Villa Beach Resort and World’s Leading Private Island Resort
Banwa Private Island for World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island, World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort, and World’s Leading Luxury Private Island Resort
The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 and is one of the most esteemed awards programs in the travel industry, recognizing excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors and is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence, the DOT said.
The Philippines has regularly earned accolades from the WTA in recent years, further strengthening its reputation as a leading global destination, the department continued.
“The Philippines' unique attributes are a constant source of pride to every Filipino. I encourage everyone-—both here and abroad—to cast their votes and help us reveal to the world the many things there are to Love the Philippines,” Frasco said.
The DOT encourages the public to support the Philippines by voting before the deadline on October 20, 2024 through the official World Travel Awards website at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote
