Banking on its regional-level wins.
The Philippines has earned nine World category nominations at the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA), where it has three in country-level categories, five in destination-specific categories, and one for the tourist board.
The country is seeking to score its seventh win as World’s Leading Dive Destination, reclaim the title as World’s Leading Beach Destination, which it held in 2022 and 2023, and and clinch one for World’s Leading Island Destination.
The capital city of Manila is also nominated for World’s Leading City Destination 2025, while the famed historical walled city of Intramuros is a finalist for World’s Leading Tourist Attraction this year.
Boracay also bagged a nomination for World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, with Cebu having theirs for World’s Leading Wedding Destination.
The Clark Freeport Zone is also nominated for World’s Leading Meeting & Conference Destination, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) itself is nominated for World’s Leading Tourist Board.
16 Philippine private tourism establishments are also nominated across various categories, the DOT said in its statement.
For her part, Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Christina Frasco welcomed the recognition as both an honor and a call to collective action.
“Tourism continues to bring good news for the Philippines, not only through international recognition, but through the livelihoods and jobs it sustains for millions of Filipinos,” said Frasco.
“These nominations reflect the strength of our people’s hospitality, creativity, and resilience, and the world’s continued confidence in the Philippines as a destination of beauty and hope. As we continue to push for stronger infrastructure, connectivity, and accessibility in partnership with other agencies, we take these recognitions as a shared encouragement to keep building up our country together,” the Tourism Secretary furthered.
She also mentioned tourism as “one of the country’s strongest engines of hope,” which creates opportunities, sustains jobs, and uplifts communities.
“These recognitions remind us that even as we work to improve what needs fixing, the world continues to appreciate and love the Philippines. We invite everyone to rally behind our country, vote for the Philippines, and take pride in this good news for our nation,” she added.
Voting for the final leg of the 32nd WTA is open until October 26, 2025.