Philippines Emerges as Regional Leader at Routes Asia Awards 2025

Being recognized for sustained efforts to implement tourism development across the country particularly in making it accessible to more travelers, the Philippines claimed victory in two key categories at the esteemed Routes Asia Awards 2025, held in Perth, Australia.

Represented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines was declared Destination of the Year, while low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific secured the Best Airline title for the second consecutive year. The winners were revealed during the Routes Asia 2025 Networking Evening on March 26, 2025.

The triumphs at Routes Asia 2025 build on the strong momentum generated by the DOT’s initiatives, including the flagship “Love the Philippines” campaign and its aggressive effort on the expansion of domestic and international routes. As of February 28, 2025, 46 new domestic and 47 international routes are in operation, improving access to destinations such as Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron, among others.

“The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in working closely with our stakeholders to further strengthen air connectivity, open more routes, and enhance our gateways. With the continued support of our partners in government and the private sector, we are confident that the Philippines will reach even greater heights as far as being an accessible, convenient, and worthwhile destination for more travelers across the world,” said Secretary Frasco.

The Philippines’ DOT, the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the South Australia Tourism Commission, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were nominated for the Destination of the Year recognition before being awarded to the country.

“Winning this award not only validates the robust efforts of the DOT under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., but also celebrates the collective commitment of our dedicated team and our supportive partners in both the government and private sectors. To be able to compete with esteemed tourism authorities from Guam, Japan, South Australia, and Thailand is an achievement in itself—one that reflects the growing strength and recognition of the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the world stage,” according to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines were alongside Cebu Pacific in the Best Airline honor.

Cebu Pacific has been at the forefront of expanding air connectivity, launching 31 new routes, resuming hub operations in Davao and Iloilo, and introducing flights to key destinations such as Kaohsiung, Chiang Mai, and Sapporo. Further solidifying its growth, the airline formalized the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history through a partnership with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. This landmark agreement was announced during the ‘Future Skies for Every Juan’ Gala in October last year, an event graced by Secretary Frasco, First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, and other distinguished guests.

According to Secretary Frasco, the recognition underscores the vital role of local carriers like Cebu Pacific as key partners of the DOT in driving tourism growth and enhancing connectivity.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Cebu Pacific and all our partner airlines for their tireless efforts in enhancing connectivity and making travel more accessible to tourists. Your dedication and partnership that you continue to extend to the DOT opens up destinations across our beautiful archipelago, but also ensures every journey is convenient and enjoyable for all travelers,” the Tourism Chief said.

Clark International Airport (CRK) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport were also among the nominees at the Routes Asia Awards 2025. Clark was shortlisted in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, having won the award in 2024, while Mactan-Cebu competed in the 5–20 Million Passengers category, which it previously claimed in 2023.

The Routes Asia 2025 Philippine delegation included representatives from the DOT, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), ACAC (Aboitiz InfraCapital Airport Corporation), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, Director Warner Andrada, and Tourism Attaché for Australia and New Zealand Purificacion Suanding-Molintas received the awards.