Manila – The Philippines has garnered four major recognitions at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that for the first time, the Philippines received the Global Tourism Resilience Award for its exceptional leadership and innovative approaches in overcoming tourism-related challenges and adversities. As per the WTA, the Philippines, along with four other international recipients, are the inaugural winners of this award, setting a global benchmark for best practices in tourism resilience.

According to Philippines News Agency, The Philippines also achieved a first-time win as the World’s Leading City Destination with its capital, Manila. Furthermore, the country successfully retained its titles as the World’s Leading Dive Destination and the World’s Leading Beach Destination. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated that the Global Tourism Resilience Award is a testament to the diligent efforts in the past year to fortify the foundations of tourism development.

Frasco expressed elation and gratitude for the continued global recognition of Philippine tourism, highlighting Manila as the World’s Leading City Destination, alongside the country’s acclaimed status as the leading beach and dive destination. The awards emphasize the Philippines as an unparalleled travel destination, showcasing its beaches, dive sites, dynamic urban environments, and cultural heritage.

The awards were received on behalf of the tourism chief by DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno during the ceremony in Dubai on December 1. WTA President and Founder Graham Cooke lauded the Filipino people as the country’s main tourism asset, praising their work ethic, happiness, hospitality, and iconic global presence.