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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH wins big in World Travel Awards, secures leading dive destination for 7th straight year

PH wins big in World Travel Awards, secures leading dive destination for 7th straight year

Published Dec 7, 2025 10:48 am  |  Updated Dec 7, 2025 06:32 pm
photo; DOT
photo; DOT
The Philippine stars shone brightly anew in the world stage after securing three major distinctions during this year’s Grand Final Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards (WTA) in Bahrain on Saturday, Dec. 6, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the awards made the country secure not only a three-peat recognition as the World’s Leading City Destination but also the seventh straight win as the World’s Leading Dive Destination.
Boracay, she said, also earned back-to-back recognition as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.
Frasco welcomed the awards as a milestone that reflects both public support and global industry recognition, “We extend our warmest gratitude to the travelers and tourism professionals who voted for the Philippines. These World Travel Award distinctions raise our country’s visibility and encourage the millions of Filipinos who work in tourism and contribute daily to our national development.”
“We will continue to strengthen tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor services so that these recognitions translate to wider opportunities for our people,” she added.
Based on the DOT data, The Philippines secured its seventh consecutive title as the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2025, prevailing over 12 global contenders.
These included the Azores Islands of Portugal, Belize, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Mexico, Seychelles, St. Kitts, and the Islands of Tahiti.
The recognition reinforces the country’s role as a hub for marine biodiversity supported by dive operators, guides, conservation partners, and coastal communities who sustain high-quality underwater experiences.
Leading destination
The World Travel Awards also named Manila the World’s Leading City Destination for 2025, marking its third consecutive triumph after wins in 2023 and 2024.
Manila surpassed a field of established international destinations such as Bogotá, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cancún, Mexico; Cape Town, South Africa; Doha, Qatar; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; Las Vegas, USA; Lisbon, Portugal; London, United Kingdom; Marrakech, Morocco; Melbourne, Australia; Miami Beach, USA; New York City, USA; Porto, Portugal; Quito, Ecuador; Santiago, Chile; Seattle, USA; and Sydney, Australia.
Frasco said the distinction reflects the capital’s strengthened cultural landscape, culinary offerings, heritage districts, and improved readiness for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
Luxury island
Boracay likewise defended its title as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2025, prevailing over Jersey, Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Bahamas.
Frasco said the win spotlights Boracay’s refined visitor experience, sustainability practices, and its strong mix of high-end accommodations and services shaped by community engagement.
Strength of PH tourism
Frasco said the three global titles underscore the diverse strength of Philippine tourism, from marine environment and cultural hubs to luxury island destinations.
“These recognitions truly belong to our nation’s tourism workforce. We acknowledge the efforts of our dive professionals, Manila and Boracay tourism stakeholders, and our partners across the regions as we commit to sustaining collaboration to build a more competitive and resilient tourism landscape for the Philippines,” she said.
Earlier this October, the Philippines also clinched multiple honors at the 2025 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala in Hong Kong. Awards included Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for Boracay, Asia’s Leading Tourist Board for the DOT, and Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 for Clark Freeport Zone.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as among the highest distinctions in the global travel and tourism industry.
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