Tourists board a motor boat as they leave Boracay Island in the Malay town of Aklan on April 7, 2018. (Photo from AFP PHOTO )
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is vying for four distinguished awards from the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Wednesday.
According to DOT, the country is nominated for the World’s Leading Beach Destination, World’s Leading Dive Destination, World’s Leading Island Destination, and World’s Leading Tourist Board categories.
“We welcome these nominations that show growing global interest and love for the Philippines,” said DOT Secretary Christina Frasco.
“With the natural beauty of our beaches, dive sites, and islands, the wealth of history, heritage, and culture, the festivals, flavors, and adventures across our diverse regions, every tourist’s journey guarantees a lifetime of memories,” she added.
The tourism secretary noted more than five million Filipinos have found gainful employment in the tourism industry.
Dubbed the Oscars of the travel industry, WTA is a London-based award-giving body established in 1993.
It recognizes excellence in travel and tourism on three levels – national, regional, and global awards in several categories.
DOT noted that the Philippines is contending for the back-to-back titles of World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination, which it received in 2022.
Meanwhile, WTA named the archipelago Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the fifth consecutive year in September.
The historic Walled City of Intramuros reclaimed Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction title.
Voting for the WTA world category opened on October 16.
It will close at midnight on November 17 (United Kingdom time).
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