MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed its appreciation as it announced that the Philippines has received 10 nominations in the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA), with three destinations from Central Luzon included in the much coveted list.
In a news release on Monday, the DOT said that the new nominations included Aurora Province as Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination; San Fernando, Pampanga as Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination; and Clark Freeport Zone as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination—highlighting the country’s growing roster of emerging destinations across Asia.
Aurora Province, widely known as one of the surfing hub in the Philippines, is celebrated for its unspoiled coastlines and commitment to sustainable tourism, thanks to its remote and pristine natural landscapes, the DOT mentioned.
Courtesy of DOT
San Fernando, Pampanga—recognized as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines—embodies vibrant local traditions and a strong cultural heritage, attracting visitors in search of meaningful, immersive experiences, DOT added.
Courtesy of DOT
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department described Clark Freeport Zone as an “emerging premier hub for business, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.”
With its world-class infrastructure and strategic location, Clark plays a central role in the Philippines’ MICE development strategy, alongside Manila, Cebu, and Davao, the DOT stated.
Courtesy of DOT
“We are deeply honored and grateful for the continued recognition of the Philippines by the World Travel Awards. These new nominations reaffirm the strength and diversity of our tourism offerings—from pristine nature destinations and cultural hubs to world-class meeting and conference venues,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“They also affirm the direction we have taken in revitalizing our tourism landscape in accordance with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Frasco added.
Aside from the new nominations, the country is also competing in the following categories:
• Asia’s Leading Beach Destination
• Asia’s Leading Dive Destination
• Asia’s Leading Island Destination
• Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction (Intramuros)
• Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay)
• Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu)
• Asia’s Leading Tourist Board (Department of Tourism)
Frasco encouraged the public to support the country’s bid for recognition, both from fellow Filipinos and international friends.
“I call on our fellow Filipinos and international friends to vote and help us secure these recognitions. These awards are a testament to our sustained efforts in tourism development rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence,” Frasco said.
According to the DOT, voting for the Philippines in the various categories of the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards opened on April 1 and will run until August 31, 2025.
Voters may support the country’s nominations by creating an account at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote and selecting the Philippines in the ten aforementioned categories.
The World Travel Awards is a globally recognized program that honors excellence across all major sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Nominations are curated by industry professionals, while winners are chosen through a public voting process that includes both tourism experts and the general public.
Awards are given across regional categories—such as Asia, Europe, and the Americas—and culminate in a prestigious Grand Final that celebrates the world’s top destinations and organizations, the DOT explained.
