Any Filipino will tell you that our country’s beaches and dive spots rank among the world’s best—and now it’s official: The Philippines has been named Asia’s leading beach and dive destination at the 28th World Travel Awards.
The World Travel Awards (WTA) is the global travel industry’s most prestigious awards program, which celebrates the excellence of key sectors in global travel, tourism, and hospitality. Award winners are determined each year by the highest number of votes from both travelers and leading industry professionals.
This is the country’s fifth Asia’s Leading Beach Destination title, and third consecutive Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award since 2019.
“We’re elated that the country’s pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots have once again been cited as the best in Asia,” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “We share this recognition… with all Filipinos who have been helping us promote our country’s attractions, products, and culture."
The Philippines is no stranger to topping travel and tourism lists, even in the absence of international travel: just this year, some of the country’s top destinations and establishments have featured in Condé Nast’s Best Island Beaches list, as well as TripAdvisor.com’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
After reopening to local tourists in the last few months, many of the country’s top destinations—including Boracay, Siargao, and El Nido—are also preparing to welcome foreign travelers once international borders allow them.
“This will boost our efforts to keep the Philippines a top-of-mind destination for foreign tourists, as we await the resumption of international leisure travel to the country,” Sec. Romulo-Puyat adds.
In addition to its regional awards, the Philippines is also still in the running for five awards in WTA’s Worldwide category, including world’s leading island destination (Siargao), tourist attraction (Intramuros), and tourism board. Visit the WTA website for more information and the full list of winners.
