PH bags 2 major tourism awards

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has won two major honors in this year’s World Travel Awards, one of the most prestigious brands “recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.”

Leading tourism board

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been recognized as “Asia’s Leading Tourism Board” during the World Travel Awards gala for Asia and Oceania in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, on Saturday.

The award was given to the DOT for recording a significant increase in visitor arrivals last year at a record 7.1 million, besting 11 other counterparts from other Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, China and South Korea.

“A triumph as great as this simply could not be possible without the combined hard work from the government, industry partners and tourism stakeholders in realizing a more upward tourism industry for the country. This is not the DOT’s alone but for all Filipinos to celebrate,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

Leading dive destination

The country was also recognized as “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination” for the first time, besting Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

“It is also joyous news that the country’s diving scene is getting the attention it deserves. This award only adds to our motivation to promote a world-class Philippine dive tourism that is anchored on sustainability and inclusivity,” Puyat said.

The country has also been nominated in the top-level World’s Leading Tourism Brand, World’s Leading Dive Destination, and World’s Leading Beach Destination, competing with other winners in the world’s 10 regions.

Global tourism standards

Voting is ongoing, with the grand finals to be staged on Nov. 28 in Muscat, Oman.

Since 1993, the World Travel Awards has contributed to raising global tourism standards by recognizing brands from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

27% increase in August

In August alone, a total of 702,843 foreigners arrived in the country — an increase of 27.54 percent from the same period last year, according to a data from the DOT.

South Koreans and Chinese remained the largest markets, each breaching the 1-million tourist arrival mark.