The Philippines and two of its top tourist attractions—Intramuros and Cebu—have been nominated for significant accolades in the Asia category of the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA), Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced, on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
In a statement, the tourism department said the Philippines is once again in the running for Asia’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2023 edition of the WTA, after winning in the same category during the 2022 WTA awarding held September last year in Vietnam.
This year, the Philippines is also competing for the title of Asia's Leading Dive Destination, which it has held for four years in a row from 2019 to 2022, it noted.
“We are extremely elated upon receiving the news on these nominations at the landmark 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards (WTA). These recurring nominations clearly manifest the growing global travel demand into the Philippines, one that we aim to sustain in the coming days through the initiatives we have laid out for the tourism industry’s recovery and transformation post-pandemic," Frasco enthused.
The DOT said Cebu has been nominated as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, while the Walled City of Intramuros has once again been nominated for the same prize category after winning it last year.
Meanwhile, the DOT is also nominated as Asia’s Leading Tourism Board at the 2023 WTA.
The tourism department said voting for the 2023 World Travel Awards' numerous categories, including Asia, officially began on Feb. 2, and will remain available until the stroke of midnight on March 19, to members of the press, travel industry professionals, and tourists.
With this, Frasco urged Filipinos and foreigners to vote for the Philippines in the 2023 WTA.
“I invite my fellow Filipinos as well as our foreign friends to show some love and help keep the travel momentum for the Philippines. Sign up and cast your votes now,” she said.
“Register and cast your votes for the Philippines, Cebu, Intramuros, and the DOT at the 2023 WTA here: