The 27th World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2020. The award-giving body also declared Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Philippine Department of Tourism as this year’s leading tourist board in Asia, besting 11 nominated countries.

“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. 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,” remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

This is the Philippines’ fourth time to win Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and the second time to win Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, following a number of nominations for categories since 2006. On the other hand, this is the second time for Intramuros to win Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. Intramuros first won the award in 2016. It is also the second win for the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.

Recently, the DOT expressed its support for the gradual reopening of various tourism destinations in the country, putting health and safety as the top priority. Among the opened destinations for local tourists are Baguio, Boracay, El Nido, Ilocos Norte, and several diving sites in Batangas province wherein stringent safety protocols are in place.

Dive tourism is identified by the DOT as 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.

Meanwhile, both the Philippines and the DOT have the following remaining nominations under the World category:

● World’s Leading Beach Destination 2020: Philippines
● World’s Leading Dive Destination 2020: Philippines
● World’s Leading Island Destination 2020: Siargao
● World’s Leading Tourist Board 2020: the Philippines, Department of Tourism
● World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2020: Intramuros

Since 1993, the World Travel Awards has contributed to rising global tourism standards by recognizing brands and best practices from the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in an annual series of gala ceremonies held per continent. Each year is capped off with a Grand Final Gala.

For more information about the Philippines, visit www.philippines.travel.