Phl bags 4 plums in 2024 World Travel Awards

The Philippines won four major accolades from the prestigious 2024 World Travel Awards (WTA), including citations for the City of Manila; the country’s gem island Boracay, and as the World’s Leading Dive Destination, the country’s sixth in a row.

During the 2024 WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony on 24 November at Savoy Palace, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, the Philippines was named the World’s Leading Dive Destination, reinforcing its reputation as a paradise for diving enthusiasts.

Adding to its laurels, Manila was named the World’s Leading City Destination for the second time since 2023, while Boracay was honored as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, a testament to its pristine beaches and high-end offerings.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude for the global recognition, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made these wins possible: “These recognitions reaffirm the Department of Tourism’s steadfast commitment to carry out initiatives with sustainability and inclusivity in mind — efforts that have been made possible through the unwavering support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his vision to establish the Philippines as a leading tourism powerhouse in Asia.”

The DoT also bagged the title of the World’s Leading Tourist Board for the first time, reflecting its successful initiatives in promoting the Philippines as a premier destination.

Under the Marcos administration, the Department has prioritized sustainable tourism development projects anchored on the strategies of connectivity, convenience and equality.

The DoT has made significant strides in advancing sustainable tourism through its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which prioritizes infrastructure development, accessibility improvements, and digital innovations.

Key initiatives include the expansion of tourism roads in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the enhancement of airports and seaports alongside the Department of Transportation, and the roll-out of enhanced digital connectivity with the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

To enrich the travel experience, the DoT introduced projects such as the Tourist Assistance Call Center, the upgraded Travel PH App and Tourist Rest Areas in strategic locations nationwide. Visa system improvements and the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, undertaken with the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have further streamlined travel for international visitors.

In equalizing tourism opportunities across the country, the DoT has diversified its offerings, promoting gastronomy, health and wellness, Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, heritage and culture and sports such as golf and surfing.

Programs like the Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravan, the Tourism Champions Challenge for local government units, and the introduction of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Metro Manila, among others, have further enriched visitor experiences.

The Philippines’ latest achievements add to the accolades it garnered at the WTA’s Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, hosted by the Philippines in September 2024.

The Philippines also bagged the Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award for the “Love the Philippines” campaign.

“We share this remarkable achievement with our dedicated stakeholders and every Filipino who continues to champion our country as a premier global destination. Together, let us continue to invite the world to experience all that there is to love about the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco added.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.