PHILIPPINE tourism secured yet another huge win after clinching six titles at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala 2025.
The country claimed its seventh consecutive recognition since 2019 as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination for the eighth time, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination.
Several iconic Philippine destinations received individual accolades, with Boracay’s back-to-back win as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and Clark Freeport Zone’s global recognition as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
The Department of Tourism also earned a global distinction as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board, citation the agency sees as a recognition of “its steadfast commitment to promoting a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry.”
“These awards reaffirm the country’s place among the world’s premier destinations. More than the recognition, this is a celebration of the people, especially our tourism frontliners — the guides, hospitality workers, weavers, boatmen, and countless others — whose warmth, hospitality, and resilience continue to inspire travelers from all over the globe,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco in a news release Tuesday, October 14.
The annual gala ceremony gathered industry leaders and government officials from Asia and Oceania to honor and award excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
Recently, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka also bagged the Silver Award for Exhibition Design for its outstanding creativity, craftsmanship, and visitor experience.
Presented by the Bureau International des Expositions — the organization that oversees and regulates World Expos — the award honors self-built pavilions with plots under 1,500 square meters that demonstrate exceptional exhibit design and storytelling.
As part of the Pavilion’s second life, its key elements will be repatriated to the National Museum of the Philippines and select regional sites.
Plans are underway for the use of some of the elements in the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum and Travex (travel exchange), which will be held in Cebu in January 2026. (PNA)
