Boracay white beach (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Philippines is set to defend its title as a leading travel destination in the global category of the 2024 World Travel Awards (WTA) in November.
The awarding will take place in Madeira, Portugal on Nov. 24, marking the climax of WTA’s search for the world’s leading destinations and travel organizations this year.
The voting for the world categories will end Oct. 20 and may be accessed at the WTA website https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.
The country will be vying for following awards:
World’s Leading Beach Destination
World’s Leading Dive Destination
World’s Leading Island Destination
World’s Leading City Destination: Manila
World’s Leading Wedding Destination: Cebu
World’s Leading Tourist Attraction: Intramuros
World’s Leading Marketing Campaign: Love the Philippines by the Department of Tourism
World’s Leading Tourist Board: Department of Tourism
“Each nomination is a celebration of our unique experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome travelers from around the world to discover more of what there is to love in our country’s diverse regions,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.
At the recent WTA Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held in Manila for the first time, the Philippines bagged awards such as Asia’s Leading Beach, Dive, and Island Destinations, and other titles for Boracay and Intramuros.
In 2023, the country clinched World’s Leading Beach Destination, World’s Leading Dive Destination, World’s Leading City Destination for Manila, as well as an inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Award in the 30th WTA.
“The Philippines' unique attributes are a constant source of pride to every Filipino. I encourage everyone –both here and abroad– to cast their votes and help us reveal to the world the many things there are to Love the Philippines,” Frasco said.
On top of Philippine destinations, private sector players in the Philippines were also nominated in this year’s WTA:
Cebu Pacific for the World’s Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline
Savoy Hotel Manila for the World’s Leading Airport Hotel
Discovery Primea for World’s Leading Business Hotel
City of Dreams Manila and Okada Manila for World’s Leading Casino Resort
Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery for World’s Leading Design Hotel
Amanpulo and Atmosphere Resorts & Spa for World’s Leading Dive Resort
City of Dreams Manila for World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort
Raffles Makati for World’s Leading Hotel Residences
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila and Ascott Makati for World’s Leading Serviced Apartments
El Nido, Pangulasian Island for World’s Leading Themed Resort
Amanpulo for World’s Leading Luxury Villa Beach Resort and World’s Leading Private Island Resort
Banwa Private Island for World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island, World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort, and World’s Leading Luxury Private Island Resort
The WTA, established in 1993, is one of the most esteemed awards programs in the travel industry, recognizing excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. (PNA)
