PH wins eight Asia categories in World Travel Awards 2023

Known for its abundant natural resources and scenic locales, the Philippines attracted 2.65 million tourists in 2022, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

But apart from receiving the gifts of Mother Nature, the archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia is home to among the most hospitable people in the world – the Filipinos.

The Filipino people make tourist spots more special with their unwavering hospitality, and the World Travel Awards (WTA) took notice. During the 2023 WTA Gala Ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last September 6, the Philippines garnered eight awards in the Asia category.

On top of these eight recognitions, the Philippines won for the fifth consecutive time Asia's Leading Dive Destination of the Year, received by Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano on DOT's behalf.

The "Pearl of the Orient" has topped the category since 2019, beating fellow SEA countries Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia this 2023 for the accolade.

By winning the category five times in a row, the Philippines is qualified to compete for the world title to be awarded this coming November in the WTA grand awards night.

"The Philippines' fifth consecutive win as Asia's Leading Dive Destination further affirms the unparalleled beauty and megabiodiversity of our country loved by divers and tourists all over the world," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement.

Frasco added: "This is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to sustainable tourism development and our strengthened collaboration with tourism stakeholders. From our ridges to our reefs, you will never run out of reasons to Love the Philippines!"

In his statement, WTA Founder and President Graham Cooke commended the Filipinos for their part in the Philippines' emergence as the best diving spot in Asia.

"I love the people. The people of the Philippines are your oil and gas. They are your assets. And they are around the world. They have a smile. They work hard. And they're great people. That's the biggest asset of the Philippines. You add that to the nature, and to the islands, and the great hospitality products you've got and you know you should be number one in the world." Cooke said.

"And I'm sure it's actually going to come. I think the new Ministry of Tourism is doing a great job now. You have natural beauty and great hospitality. And that asset is your people." he added.

Like the Philippines, Cuyo, Palawan's Amanpulo won its fifth straight Asia's Leading Private Island accolade and seventh overall, besting five nominees, including previous winners Bawah Reserve of Indonesia (2018) and Song Saa Private Island of Cambodia (2015).

Meanwhile, the Atmospheres Resorts & Spa earned Asia's Leading Dive Resort award for back-to-back years, as the Negros Oriental resort beat the other seven nominees from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with Indonesia having four contenders followed by Thailand with two and Malaysia with one.

Moreover, City of Dreams Manila and Discovery Primea reclaimed their throne.

City of Dreams Manila won its third Asia's Leading Fully Integrated Resort award it clinched in 2019 and 2021.

On the other hand, after losing to The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore last 2022 that ended their three-peat bid, Discovery Primea dethroned the Singaporean luxury hotel and 10 other nominees to take the Asia's Leading Business Hotel crown.

The Philippines also had first-time winners in their respective Asia categories: Viveze Azure, Ascott Makati, and Okada Manila.

Mabini, Batangas' Viveze Azure was Asia's Leading Boutique Beach Resort while Ascott Makati Glorietta 4 – Ayala Malls was recognized as Asia's Leading Serviced Apartments. Okada Manila snapped City of Dreams Manila's two-year reign from 2021-2022 as Asia's Leading Casino Resort.

Furthermore, these are the brands and organizations recognized by WTA for the Philippines category:

The complete list of winners is available in the Asia Winners 2023 section on the WTA website.

Established in 1993, WTA holds a series of annual gala ceremonies to celebrate and recognize all sectors of the tourism industry.