President Marcos has praised Filipinos for being the driving force behind the country's achievements in the tourism sector as the Philippines bagged eight honors at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA).

In a Facebook post on Friday evening, Oct. 18, the President said the country's beautiful destinations are undeniable, but the Filipinos make them better.

"Our endless coastlines, lush forests, white sand beaches, and rich biodiversity are a significant contribution to the breathtaking wonders of the world—but none more so than—the happy disposition, genuine kindness, and heartfelt warmth of the Filipino people," he wrote.

"As beautiful as our archipelago is, the real treasure behind this recognition is our people, and I am so blessed to be one too. Let us continue giving the world more reasons to Love the Philippines," he added.

The Philippines clinched the following honors at the 31st WTA:

• Asia's Leading Beach Destination 2024
• Asia's Leading Dive Destination 2024
• Asia's Leading Island Destination 2024
• Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024
• Asia's Leading Marketing Campaign 2024
• Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction 2024
• Asia's Leading Wedding Destination 2024
• Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance 2024

Meanwhile, a special award was given to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, recognizing her "outstanding contributions to tourism governance" and "vision, tireless dedication, and the tangible impacts of her initiatives have set a new benchmark in tourism leadership, not just in the Philippines but across Asia and Oceania."

In a speech, Frasco said that the past two years have been "a period of incredible growth and transformation" for the Philippines.

Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines has embarked on a path of dynamic tourism development. It has invested heavily in infrastructure, improved connectivity across its 7,641 islands, enhanced the overall tourism experience, and, most importantly, invested in its greatest asset: the Filipino people.

"The Filipino people, with their innate warmth, resilience, and passion, are at the heart of Philippine tourism. They are the embodiment of the essence of our culture, the genuine smiles, the unparalleled service, and the authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression upon every traveler," Frasco said.

"We are committed to empowering our people with the skills, the support, and the opportunities that they need to consistently deliver world-class tourism experiences," she added.

Last year, the Philippines bagged several awards at the 30th WTA, including the first-ever Global Tourism Resilience award, which it proudly shared with four other nations.

Meanwhile, Frasco emphasized the critical role tourism plays in the Philippines.

"Tourism is not just a driving force for our economy. It is a force for good for our country," she said.

"The sector has created millions of jobs for Filipinos and empowered our local communities. We are determined to expand tourism opportunities further by focusing on quality and sustainable tourism, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our nation," she added.

Established in 1993, the WTA aims to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all tourism industry sectors. Each year, the WTA covers the globe with regional gala ceremonies to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.