The Philippines cruised to the top as it became Asia’s best cruise destination for 2023. The Department of Tourism announced the win on October 16.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Philippines has been hailed as Asia’s best cruise destination for 2023. The country won the title from the third annual World Cruise Awards in Dubai.
The Philippines bested nominated countries India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
DOT’s Director for Product and Market Development Paulo Benito S. Tugbang accepted the award on the country’s behalf. The awarding happened in Dubai.
The country’s tourism arm declared the prestigious win on October 16 on their official Facebook page.
READ ALSO: Top Destinations: 3 Philippine Islands Are Among The Best In Asia
The World Cruise Awards is an annual international awards program that honors preeminence in the cruise industry. It also recognizes countries’ outstanding contributions in cruising and their respective tourism arms.
The award-governing arm is affiliated with World Travel Awards. It launched in 1994 to celebrate global travel and tourism excellence.
Asia’s Best Cruise Destination For 2023 title is a “big win” for the Philippines
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the award. Frasco noted that this first time recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for the Philippines and its tourism sector.
Frasco added that the announcement reflected a “resounding global preference” for the Philippines’ island destinations.
The tourism chief expressed that the Philippines is renowned for its natural beauty. The country boasts its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality.
“Our archipelago of 7,641 islands offers a wide array of cruise experiences, from exploring picturesque coastlines and coral reefs to immersing in local culture and traditions,” Frasco added.
The title is “the first award for cruise” for the Philippines
DOT director for product and market development Paulo Benito S. Tugbang accepted the award on behalf of the department.
Tugbang smiled and expressed his joy when asked what he felt at the time. He said that it’s the first award for cruise that the Philippines has ever received.
The DOT official added that as the title came from the World Travel Awards, it was a momentous occasion for Filipinos.
He enthused about what’s next for the country, vowing more destinations for “the country’s markets” and creating better tourism experiences.
DOT reported that as of October 16, the Philippines projects to have 128 ports of cruise calls this year across 33 destinations. The cruise ships target to bring in more than 101,000 passengers and an estimated 50,000 crews.
The Philippines also nominated for the World’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 title
The country won Asia’s Best Cruise Destination For 2023. It bagged a nomination for the title World’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 at the same time.
Abu Dhabi secured the win for the title. It bested Alaska in the USA, Fiji, Jamaica, Madeira in Portugal, Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Philippines.
DOT secretary Frasco expressed that the award is not only a testament to the Philippine’s allure as a cruise destination. It validates as well the collective dedication of the tourism industry and the DOT.
“We are grateful that the country’s potential to offer exceptional cruise experiences is now acknowledged on a global scale,” Frasco further said.
Banner photo from Cris Tagupa via Unsplash.
