It was also the country’s first time to host the prestigious travel awards ceremony.
This year marks the 31st World Travel Awards. The Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony took place here in the Philippines at City of Dreams.
The country received a total of eight awards at the ceremony while several establishments in the Philippines were also honored.
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International Recognition
For the sixth consecutive year, the Philippines was named Asia’s Leading Dive Destination. The country also claimed the titles of Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination.
The historic walled city of Intramuros was also honored as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. Meanwhile, Boracay was recognized as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.
The country’s Love the Philippines campaign received the Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign award. Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also accepted an award as a Transformational Leader in Tourism Governance.
“The past two years have been a period of incredible growth and transformation for the Philippines,” Frasco said in her speech.
“The Filipino people, with their innate warmth, resilience, and passion, are at the heart of Philippine tourism…We are committed to empowering our people with the skills, the support, and the opportunities that they need to consistently deliver world-class tourism experiences.”
Ideal Accommodations
Several hotels and resorts in the Philippines also received top awards at this year’s World Travel Awards ceremony.
Vivere Azure in Batangas won Asia’s Leading Boutique Beach Resort for the second year in a row. Situated by the mountainside of Anilao, the beach resort is only 2.5 hours away from Manila, offering a relaxing escape from the busy city life.
Over in the Metro, Discovery Primea was named Asia’s Leading Business Hotel. This is the hotel’s fourth time to claim this title. Located in the Makati Central Business District, Discovery Primea features modern and luxurious accommodations.
City of Dreams Manila, where the World Travel Awards ceremony took place, was named Asia’s Leading Casino Resort. The premier leisure and entertainment destination is also home to globally-renowned hotels and restaurants as well as high end shopping.
Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery was awarded as Asia’s Leading Design Hotel. The luxury hotel stands out as Filipino-Spanish design and architectural elements are reinterpreted into contemporary aesthetics.
Luxury and nature are in harmony at Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, which took home the award for Asia’s Leading Dive Resort. Located in Negros Oriental, the resort is surrounded by mountains and the ocean.
Meanwhile, El Nido Resorts Apulit Island was named Asia’s Leading Sustainable Resort. The perfect eco-luxury escape, the resort offers sustainable menus and nature-based activities.
Also located in Palawan, Amanpulo received the Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort award for the eighth time. The private island of Pamalican boasts white sand beaches and pristine reefs, truly a tropical paradise.
Banner image via Instagram @elnidoresorts.
