Philippines wins eight tourism titles at 2024 World Travel Awards

The Philippines bagged several tourism accolades in the Asia category of the recently concluded World Travel Awards (WTA).

According to a report by The Philippine STAR, the country won eight awards during the Asia and Oceania gala ceremony at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque. It was the first time that it hosted such an event.

The Philippines was named Asia's Leading Beach Destination 2024, Asia's Leading Dive Destination 2024, and Asia's Leading Island Destination 2024.

It's the country's seventh Asia’s leading beach destination win since 2013 and sixth Asia’s leading dive destination win since 2019.

Boracay—known for its white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and magnetic nightlife—was named Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination for 2024.

Intramuros—one of the oldest districts of Manila and dubbed the "Walled City"—was hailed as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction this year.

Cebu, which boasts of many beaches and resorts, won Asia's Leading Wedding Destination in 2024.

The "Love The Philippines" campaign was also named Asia's Leading Marketing Campaign for the year. It was launched in 2023 as a "recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity."

Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco, meanwhile, was given the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance.

The country's hosting of the WTA marked the fourth leg of the awards ceremony. The three others were recently held in Berlin, Germany for the Europe category; Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the Middle East and Indian Ocean category; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the Caribbean and the Americas category.

The Africa Gala Ceremony is set to take place in Kenya on Oct. 18.

Winners will advance to the grand finals in Madeira in Portugal, where the world category awardees are announced, on Nov. 24.