The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Monday, Oct. 16, that the Philippines secured the spot as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 by World Cruise Awards, marking the country’s first time to clinch the said recognition.

“This first time recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for Philippine tourism as it reflects a resounding global preference for our island destinations,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

“This augurs well for our strategic objective to equalize tourism development as we put the spotlight on lesser-known destinations by expanding our cruise tourism portfolio to include new tourism destinations in time to come,” she added.

The tourism agency said that the Philippines was projected to obtain 128 ports of call this year across 33 destinations across the country, expected to bring an estimated 101,000 passengers and about 50,000 crew.

India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam were among the countries that competed for the award.

The prestigious World Travel Awards are associated with the annual World Cruise Awards, which honor excellence in the cruise industry.