Philippines wins big in World Travel Awards

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines won several awards in the Asia edition of the 2024 World Travel Awards, held for the first time in the country.

The country was hailed as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination for 2024.

It is the country’s seventh time to win as Asia’s leading beach destination since 2013, and sixth time as Asia’s leading dive destination since 2019.

Boracay won Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024.

Cebu was recognized as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024.

Intramuros was conferred Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024.

The “Love the Philippines” campaign launched in mid-2023 also won Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024. The campaign remains in use despite controversy over stock footage used in a promotional video.

A “Special Award for Transformational Leadership in Tourism” was given to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

The World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony was held at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City on Tuesday.