The country is vying for seven major nominations at the coveted World Tourism Awards this year.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the country is poised to defend its titles with nominations as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination.

Apart from this, some of the Philippines’ premier tourist destinations were also named as nominees in the following categories: Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination; Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction; and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.

In addition, the DOT also secured a nomination as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.

“The sustained and dedicated efforts of the Department of Tourism have once again borne fruit with these nominations from the prestigious World Travel Awards. They all reaffirm our 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,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The Tourism Chief added, “I would like to encourage everyone, including our fellow Filipinos and our foreign friends, to show love for the Philippines by making us win our multiple nominations in the World Travel Awards. Winning them will not only add prestige to our endeavors but can also translate into more opportunities for our countrymen relying on tourism for their livelihood, as well as surpass the achievements we have made since we took office.”

Frasco said she was grateful for the World Travel Awards “for providing The Philippines a platform to continuously showcase our diverse tourism offerings not only within Asia but on the global stage.”

“We also express our thanks to our tourism stakeholders who continue to safeguard the myriad of tourism gems in the Philippines for all the world to love and enjoy,” she continued.

The Philippines will defend the title of Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, a category dominated by the country for six consecutive years from 2019 until 2024.

The country also clinched Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination awards in 2024. In the same year, the world-famous Boracay Island was honored as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, the Spanish-era walled city of Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination. The country garnered these honors in its first hosting of the World Travel Awards’ Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony last September 2024.

The World Travel Awards is a prestigious global awards program that recognizes excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Nominations are determined by industry professionals, while winners are selected through an open voting process that includes both travel experts and the general public. Awards are presented at regional levels—such as Asia, Europe, and the Americas—culminating in a global Grand Final that honors the best in the world.

Voting for the Philippines in the various categories of the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards opened on 1 April and will run until 31 August 2025.

The DOT encourages Filipinos to create an account at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote to be able to choose the Philippines to win its respective nominations.