The Philippines gets 5 major nominations for 2023 World Travel Awards
The Philippines is once again recognized at the World Travel Awards (WTA), receiving several nominations across different categories in the Asian edition.
WTA, which awards leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel and hospitality sectors, has nominated the Philippines for Asia's Leading Dive Destination and Asia's Leading Beach Destination.
Cebu, meanwhile, is nominated as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, competing with Indonesia's Bali, Thailand's Ko Samui, and Malaysia's Langkawi. Intramuros is also vying to get another Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction award.
Additionally, the Department of Tourism has been nominated for Asia's Leading Tourist Board.
Announcing the news on Tuesday, February 21, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said: "We are extremely elated upon receiving the news on these nominations at the landmark 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards. These recurring nominations clearly manifest the growing global travel demand into the Philippines, one that we aim to sustain in the coming days through the initiatives we have laid out for the tourism industry's recovery and transformation post pandemic."
Apart from that, several hotel and resort chains in the country are also nominated in this prestigious awarding body. Savoy Hotel Manila is nominated as Asia's Leading Airport Hotel, Discovery Primea for Asia's Leading Business Hotel, and Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is gunning for the Asia's Leading Dive Resort title.
City of Dreams Manila and Okada Manila received two nominations in the same categories: Asia's Leading Casino Resort and Asia's Leading Fully Integrated Resort.
109-year old Manila Hotel is also nominated for Asia's Leading Heritage Hotel, while Belmont Hotel is nominated for Asia's Leading Hotel.
The WTA also recognized Raffles Makati as a candidate for Asia's Leading Hotel Residence, while Shangri-La Boracay is among the Asia's Leading Luxury Beach Resort list.
The exclusive Amanpulo, a favorite among local and international celebrities, has been shortlisted as one of Asia's Leading Private Island Resorts.
The Farm at San Benito, meanwhile, is running for the Asia's Leading Retreat title this year.
And finally, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is nominated for Asia's Leading Serviced Apartments.
"I invite my fellow Filipinos as well as our foreign friends to show some love and help keep the travel momentum for the Philippines. Sign up and cast your votes now," Frasco said.
Voting is open from Feb. 20, 2023 and will be open until midnight of March 19, 2023 through their website.
Last year, the Philippines won seven awards, including Asia's Leading Beach Destination, Asia's Leading Dive Destination, and Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction.