PH wins 4 major awards in World Travel Awards 2023 — DOT

(From left) Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, World Travel Awards (WTA) President and Founder Graham Cooke, and DOT Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno hold the Philippines’ awards from the preeminent WTA in a ceremony held in Dubai on December 1. (Photo courtesy of DOT)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines bagged four major tourism recognitions from the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday.

According to the DOT, the country was once again named the World’s Leading Dive Destination and the World’s Leading Beach Destination, defending its 2022 titles.

For the first time, the country was also conferred with the World’s Leading City Destination for its capital, Manila.

The DOT added that the Philippines was also given the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.”

The country was one of the only five countries that received the award, the agency noted in a press release.

The awarding ceremony was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 1.

Other titles received by the Philippines in the WTA 2023 included the World’s Leading Dive Resort (Amanpulo), the World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort (City of Dreams Manila), and the World’s Leading Casino Resort (City of Dreams Manila), according to the WTA website.

DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno represented Tourism chief Christina Garcia Frasco during the event.

In her message, Frasco said that receiving the Global Tourism Resilience Award was an affirmation of all the agency’s hard work in developing the nation’s tourism industry.

“With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms, and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people,” she said.

Meanwhile, in his speech, WTA President and founder Graham Cooke commended the Filipinos as the “main asset” of the country’s tourism industry.

“The diversity, the opportunities with sustainability, the beautiful beach resorts, and now the diving [sic], amazing, the beaches, amazing. As I said, the main asset is the people, which a lot of countries in the world don’t have,” he said.

“And it’s the people of the Philippines that make your tourism assets the most amazing. The work ethic, the happiness, the smile, and the hospitality that the Philippines have are global icons,” Cooke added.

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.

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