PH wins 4 categories in travel awards

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines won four categories in the 2024 World Travel Awards grand finals at the Savoy Palace, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, to solidify its bid as a premiere world tourism destination.

For the sixth consecutive year, the country won as the World’s Leading Dive Destination.

According to the Department of Tourism, this reinforces the country’s reputation as a paradise for diving enthusiasts.

Some of the dive spots recommended by DOT in the country are in Cebu including the island of Mactan, Pescador Island in Moalboal, Sumilon Island in Oslob, and Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan.

Meanwhile, Manila posted back-to-back wins as the World’s Leading City Destination.

Boracay Island emerged as the World's Leading Luxury Island Destination for its pristine beaches and high-end offerings.

Aside from that, the DOT led by Cebuana Tourism chief Christina Frasco sealed its bid in this year’s WTA finale with the World’s Leading Tourist Board. This is the first time that DOT won it.

Frasco expressed her gratitude for the global recognition, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made these wins possible.

“We are filled with immense pride and gratitude as the Philippines continues to capture the hearts of travelers worldwide, as reflected in these prestigious accolades at the 2024 World Travel Awards,” she said.

“These recognitions reaffirm the Department of Tourism’s steadfast commitment to carry out initiatives with sustainability and inclusivity in mind --efforts that have been made possible through the unwavering support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his vision to establish the Philippines as a leading tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she added.

In September of this year, the country was able to claim eight regional awards via WTA’s Asia & Oceania --Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Leading Beach Destination, Leading Island Destination along with Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for its romantic charm and world-class venues. Frasco also won the Transformational Leadership in Tourism award, while the Love the Philippines campaign despite some controversy earlier, bagged the Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award.

The WTA is widely regarded as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.