The Philippines has once again affirmed its position as a premier tourism destination by winning eight prestigious accolades at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA). This year’s event, held at the City of Dreams on September 3, 2024, marked the first time the country hosted the renowned travel and tourism awards ceremony, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.
At the Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, the Philippines was honored as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year. Additionally, the country secured titles for Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination. The historic Walled City of Intramuros was recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay earned the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu was named Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.
A special award was presented to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for her transformative leadership in tourism, highlighting her exceptional contributions to tourism governance and her impactful initiatives that have set a new standard in the region.
Secretary Frasco reflected on the recent growth and transformation under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, improved connectivity, and the empowerment of the Filipino people. “Our commitment to enhancing tourism experiences is rooted in the warmth and resilience of our people, who are at the heart of Philippine tourism,” she said.
The DOT has spearheaded innovative programs aimed at establishing the Philippines as a leading tourism powerhouse. Frasco noted the diversification of tourism offerings to include wellness, adventure, cultural, and culinary experiences, expanding beyond traditional attractions.
The Philippines also received the award for Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 for the “Love the Philippines” campaign. Last year, the country was recognized with several awards, including the Global Tourism Resilience Award, which it shared with four other nations.
The WTA gala showcased the Philippines’ vibrant culture, offering glimpses of Manila’s rich history, arts scene, and nightlife. Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the country’s readiness to host more global events, emphasizing tourism’s vital role in the economy and local communities.
WTA Founder Graham Cooke praised the Philippines’ efforts, expressing optimism about the global tourism industry’s recovery and the country’s target to welcome 7.7 million international visitors. He acknowledged the DOT, national government agencies, and private sector partners for their role in making the WTA’s successful hosting possible.
Established in 1993, the WTA is a hallmark of excellence in the tourism industry, celebrating outstanding achievements across sectors. The Manila gala was the fourth leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the best travel and tourism organizations.
For more information and the complete list of 2024 winners, visit the official WTA website.
