The Philippines has once again been named the best beach, dive, and island destination in the region, receiving six major awards at the recently concluded 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony.
This is the eighth consecutive time the Philippines was recognized as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, highlighting its stunning coastlines and world-renowned beaches. This is also the country’s seventh consecutive recognition (since 2019) as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, thanks to its thriving marine life and top dive sites.
Further, the Philippines was hailed as Asia’s Leading Island Destination for its captivating tropical getaways.
A clapback to the people
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco applauded the recognition, praising the efforts of the Filipinos behind the country’s shining destinations.
“These awards reaffirm the country’s place among the world’s premier destinations. More than the recognition, this is a celebration of the people, especially our tourism frontliners—the guides, hospitality workers, weavers, boatmen, and countless others—whose warmth, hospitality, and resilience continue to inspire travelers from all over the globe,” she said in a statement.
“As the Philippine tourism industry continues to capture global recognition, we remain committed to strengthening the country’s position as a top destination of choice. We continue to empower our people with meaningful livelihood opportunities, foster sustainable growth in our local communities, and ensure that every traveler experiences the world-class warmth and hospitality that define the Filipino brand of service with excellence,” the tourism chief added.
The Philippines took home a slew of other accolades in this year’s awarding ceremony, as iconic destinations granted individual awards. Boracay bagged a back-to-back win as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, while Clark Freeport Zone was announced as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism was acknowledged as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards (WTA) celebrates excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality globally and regionally, with nominations curated by industry professionals.
Often dubbed the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the annual global awards event celebrates outstanding contributions and achievements in various sectors, including aviation, hotels, destinations, and tour operators, through a series of regional and global ceremonies. Winners are determined through a public voting process that involves both tourism experts and the general public.
Philippine Pavilion bags silver in World Expo 2025 Osaka
Adding to the week’s big wins, the Philippine Pavilion also won the Silver Award for Exhibition Design at the World Expo 2025 held in Osaka, Japan, for its exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and visitor experience.
Presented by the Bureau International des Expositions—an organization that oversees and regulates World Expos—the award honors self-built pavilions with plots under 1,500 square meters that demonstrate outstanding exhibit design and storytelling.
Filipino craftsmanship featuring traditional weaves, culinary showcases, live performances, and multisensory installations were the Philippine Pavilion’s main highlights.
The exhibit, which featured over 200 handwoven panels crafted by Filipino weavers from various regions of the Philippines, is one of the biggest collaborations of its kind. The pavilion featured 19 large-scale handwoven pieces along with interactive experiences, an AI photobooth, Habi Shop, and a Hilot wellness corner.
To ensure sustainability, key elements from the Pavilion will be turned over to the National Museum of the Philippines for exhibition in regional sites.
Some of the elements will also be reused in the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum and Travex (Travel Exchange), to be held in Cebu in January 2026.
