Phl bags 3 global wins at 2025 World Travel Awards

The Philippines has secured three major honors at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025, with Boracay Island, the City of Manila, and the country’s world-renowned dive sites earning top global distinctions.

During the WTA Awards Night in Bahrain on Saturday, the country achieved a seventh consecutive win as the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2025. Manila bagged the title of World’s Leading City Destination for the third straight year, while Boracay earned back-to-back recognition as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2025.

“We extend our warmest gratitude to the travelers and tourism professionals who voted for the Philippines. These World Travel Award distinctions raise our country’s visibility and encourage the millions of Filipinos who work in tourism and contribute daily to our national development. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue to strengthen tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor services so that these recognitions translate to wider opportunities for our people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said, noting that the milestone reflects both public support and global industry confidence.

As the World’s Leading Dive Destination, the Philippines bested 12 global contenders, including the Azores Islands, Belize, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, the Galápagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, Mexico, Seychelles, St. Kitts, and the Islands of Tahiti.

Manila’s third consecutive win as World’s Leading City Destination reflects its strengthened cultural landscape, culinary scene, heritage districts, and improved readiness for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. The capital surpassed cities such as Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Cancún, Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong, Lisbon, London, New York City, Sydney, and others.

Boracay defended its title as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, prevailing over Jersey, Mustique, and the Bahamas—highlighting the island’s elevated visitor experience, sustainability efforts, and high-end accommodations shaped by strong community engagement.

“These recognitions truly belong to our nation’s tourism workforce. We acknowledge the efforts of our dive professionals, Manila and Boracay tourism stakeholders, and our partners across the regions as we commit to sustaining collaboration to build a more competitive and resilient tourism landscape for the Philippines,” Frasco added.

Earlier in October, the Philippines also clinched several awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala in Hong Kong, including Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for Boracay, Asia’s Leading Tourist Board for the DOT, and Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for Clark Freeport Zone.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are considered among the highest recognitions in global travel and tourism.