The Philippines is once again in the global spotlight with seven nominations at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, bolstering the country’s bid to remain one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations.
Announced on April 5 by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the nominations include three major titles the Philippines will defend: Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded the recognition, calling it a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.
“The sustained and dedicated efforts of the Department of Tourism have once again borne fruit with these nominations from the prestigious World Travel Awards,” said Frasco. “They all reaffirm our 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.”
Top tourist spots were also individually recognized, with Boracay nominated as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.
The DOT itself earned a nomination as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board, recognizing the agency’s effective leadership in promoting Philippine tourism at home and abroad.
The Philippines will aim to extend its winning streak as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, a title it has held consecutively since 2019, and defend accolades won in 2024, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Island Destination.
Boracay, Intramuros, and Cebu were all honored with similar titles last year, during the Philippines’ first-ever hosting of the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony in September 2024.
Voting for the 2025 awards opened on April 1 and will run until August 31, 2025. Voters must register at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote to cast their support for the Philippines in its nominated categories.
“I would like to encourage everyone, including our fellow Filipinos and our foreign friends, to show love for the Philippines by making us win our multiple nominations in the World Travel Awards,” Frasco urged.
She added that global recognition not only enhances the country’s tourism reputation but also creates more opportunities for Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on the travel industry.
Secretary Frasco also expressed gratitude to the World Travel Awards for offering the Philippines a platform to showcase its natural beauty and cultural richness on the international stage.
“We also express our thanks to our tourism stakeholders who continue to safeguard the myriad of tourism gems in the Philippines for all the world to love and enjoy,” she said.
Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards is regarded as the “ultimate hallmark of industry excellence” and honors standout achievements across all sectors of the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Nominees are selected by travel professionals worldwide, while winners are chosen through open voting by both industry peers and the general public.
