Philippines hosts World Travel Awards gala

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The Philippines, through its Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, proudly hosted the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 for the first time on September 3 at the City of Dreams Manila.

“The past two years have been a period of incredible growth and transformation for the Philippines. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we have embarked on a path of dynamic tourism development, investing heavily in infrastructure, improving connectivity across our beautiful archipelago, enhancing the overall tourism experience, and most importantly, investing in our greatest asset—our people,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in her opening remarks.

“The Filipino people, with their innate warmth, resilience, and passion, are at the heart of Philippine tourism. They are the embodiment of the very essence of our culture— the genuine smiles, the unparalleled service, and the authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression on every traveler.”

On a night filled with celebration and recognition, the Philippines secured numerous accolades that underscore the rich diversity of its destinations and the strong efforts being made to promote them.

Additionally, Tourism Secretary Frasco was honored with the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance for her outstanding contributions to promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the global reputation of the Philippines as a top-of-mind travel destination in Asia.

The Philippines won the WTA 2024 recognitions for the first time as Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination. In addition to these awards, the country was recognized for its “Love the Philippines” campaign, winning Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024.

Further cementing its status as a global tourism hotspot, the Philippines has once again been hailed as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 for the seventh year and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Historic Walled City of Intramuros has been crowned as Asia’s leading Tourist Attraction 2024 for the fourth time.

Hosting the WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony is a key achievement in the Philippine tourism sector’s journey, as the country continues to attract international attention for its unparalleled natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles likewise emphasized how the country’s recent wins validate the authenticity and hard work invested into the continuous promotion of the Philippines’ diverse attractions and tourism products.

“The World Travel Awards have long been regarded as the hallmark of industry excellence. For the Philippines to win multiple awards is an indication of our growing influence in the global tourism landscape. It reaffirms that our marketing efforts to promote our major and off-the-beaten-path destinations, along with our focus on other aspects of tourism such as food, wellness, and cultural immersions, resonate with travelers and stakeholders alike,” she said.

The event was attended by prominent figures in the industry, including global tourism executives, influential decision-makers, and renowned travel experts. The red-carpet gala celebrated the winners and offered a platform to showcase the best of the Philippines to a global audience, from its white sand beaches and world-class diving spots, to historical landmarks and luxury destinations.

The WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 was made possible through the efforts of its event partner: City of Dreams Manila, along with the support of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Destileria Limtuaco, The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, Vivere Hotel, Conrad Manila, Kultura Filipino & SM Retail Inc., and DrinkAid.