The Philippines earned the prestigious title of Best Dive Destination in the Asia Pacific region during the Travel Weekly Asia (TWA) Readers’ Choice Awards ceremony held on October 3, 2023, at the Conrad Centennial in Singapore. This honor is a testament to the country’s abundant marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and unwavering commitment to the conservation and promotion of its aquatic ecosystems.
The Travel Weekly Asia Awards, hosted by Northstar Travel Group, is an annual event that acknowledges exceptional hotels, resorts, airlines, destinations, cruise lines, and travel agencies. Winners are determined through an online poll of Travel Weekly readers and industry professionals. The featured finalists and awardees are showcased in various Travel Weekly Asia publications, offering readers insights into each destination’s unique landscapes and experiences.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, the COO of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, expressed gratitude for the accolade, emphasizing the Philippines’ dedication to preserving and showcasing its natural wonders. The country’s 7,641 islands offer a diverse range of diving destinations catering to both novice and experienced divers. Moreover, the nation’s shorelines and surrounding coral reefs are home to an array of marine species.
The award ceremony saw the presence of Ms. Micaela B. Ochoa, TPB Acting Head for ASEAN and the Pacific Division, and Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General representing the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore, who accepted the honor on behalf of the Philippines.
Irene Chua, Asia Vice President and Group Publisher of Northstar Travel Group, shared her perspective on the purpose of the awards ceremony. She emphasized that recognizing outstanding contributions in the travel industry goes beyond celebrating achievements; it serves to motivate continuous innovation and positive change, inspiring a collective effort to elevate the industry’s progress and appeal.
The Philippines, with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity, has consistently received international acclaim. It has been named the World’s Leading Dive Destination as well as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination since 2019 at the World Travel Awards. The country also garnered the title of Best Dive Destination at the Diving and Resort Travel Expo in Malaysia and Taiwan earlier in the same year.
