Through and through, it’s still more fun in the Philippines.
The country bagged top awards at the 27th World Travel Awards (WTA), announced virtually last Nov. 3.
The Philippines took home Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2020 and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination 2020 awards. Out of 11 nominated countries, meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) was named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2020.
“We are truly honored and thankful for the accolades given to the Philippines at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia. These recognitions are certainly an inspiration to the industry as we safely and gradually reopen our destinations for tourism,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.
These would not be possible without the combined efforts from our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and our fellow Filipinos who have tirelessly promoted our country’s attractions, products and culture,” Puyat added.
The award-giving body also hailed Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction this year. Amanpulo, Ascott BGC, and Discovery Primea won Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort 2020, Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment 2020, and Asia’s Leading Business Hotel 2020, respectively.
The Philippines has already been named Asia’s Leading Beach Destination in 2013, 2016, and 2018.
Last year, the country was named the World’s Leading Dive Destination. The DOT says dive tourism is “one of the key areas in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016 – 2022 that can positively affect industry growth in terms of increased visitor count, extended length of stay, and higher tourism revenue, among others.”
“Our winners represent the very best of Asia’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges,” World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke said.
“The World Travel Awards 2020 program received a record number of votes cast by the public. This shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger and bodes well for the industry’s future as the global recovery begins,” Cooke added.
Established in 2013, WTA acknowledges and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. It also recognizes individual and collective success within each key geographical region.
(Main photo courtesy of DOT)