The Philippines bag three pivotal wins in the 29th World Travel Awards (WTA) as it was recognized as Asia's leading tourist attraction; dive destination; and leading beach destination among Asian countries, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
"The Philippines is a beautiful country and you having given these awards is such an affirmation to all of our tourism stakeholders and workers who have greatly sacrificed throughout the pandemic,” said DOT Sec. Cristina Garcia Frasco in her virtual acceptance message during the 29th WTA 2022 that was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Frasco noted that Philippine tourism is looking forward to the future through collective efforts under the present administration acknowledging the tourism industry to become a major pillar for economic recovery in the country.
“Not only will we survive the pandemic, but we will thrive, we will endure, and we will get back stronger than ever,” she added.
Bagging Asia’s leading beach destination, the Philippines’ Saud Beach in Pagdpud, Ilocos Norte outshined other nominees in Asia, namely, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
While in the category of Asia’s leading dive destination, the Philippines showcased the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Cagayancillo, Palawan outstripped other nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
With the impeccable recognition of Intramuros Manila as Asia’s leading tourist attraction, the Philippines outclassed other nominees such as the Angkor Temples of Cambodia; Borobudur Temple Compounds of Indonesia; Ha Long Bay of Vietnam; Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan Museum of Kagoshima in Japan; Taj Mahal of India, Team Lab Super Nature of Macau, Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors, all in China; Tokyo Imperial Palace of Japan; and the Victoria Peak of Hong Kong.
“We are ready to receive you in the Philippines. We look forward to your visit and I invite each and every one of you to visit our beaches, our dive sites, and our tourist destinations. We remain committed to purveying the Filipino brand of hospitality and to heralding the Filipino brand to the world,” Frasco said.