Philippines sweeps 6 major honors at 2025 World Travel Awards
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- The Philippines won six major honors at the 2025 World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony.
- Awards include Asia's Leading Beach, Dive, Island, Luxury Island Destinations, and Asia's Leading Tourist Board.
- Clark Freeport Zone was named Asia's Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
- The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka received a Silver Award for Exhibition Design from the Bureau International des Expositions.
The Philippines reinforced its standing as a global tourism powerhouse after capturing six major honors at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the recognitions underscore the country’s natural beauty and the warmth of Filipinos, which continue to define its tourism success.
The Philippines was named Asia’s Leading Beach Destination for the eighth time, reaffirming the worldwide appeal of its pristine white-sand shores.
It also clinched its seventh consecutive title as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, a testament to the nation’s rich marine biodiversity and underwater treasures.
The country likewise earned back-to-back recognition as Asia’s Leading Island Destination, further cementing its reputation as the region’s premier tropical haven.
“These awards reaffirm the country’s place among the world’s premier destinations,” Frasco said.
She added that the DOT remains committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth while empowering communities through tourism-driven livelihood opportunities.
The DOT was also recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board, honoring its efforts to position the Philippines as a resilient and competitive destination in the global market.
Adding to the country’s triumphs, Boracay was hailed as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for the second straight year, while Clark Freeport Zone was named Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
Philippine Pavilion earns Silver at Expo 2025 Osaka
Further elevating the country’s global profile, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka received the Silver Award for Exhibition Design from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, the pavilion features handwoven panels from all 18 regions and interactive exhibits that blend heritage and innovation.
Since its opening in April, it has drawn more than one million visitors, reflecting global interest in the Philippines’ creativity and cultural identity.
Frasco said the recognition highlights Filipino artistry and affirms the nation’s growing prominence in global culture and design.
The 2025 WTA Asia and Oceania Gala gathered industry leaders to celebrate excellence across the region, while the World Travel Awards continues to serve as one of the most respected benchmarks of achievement in global tourism and hospitality.