The Philippines has retained its title as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the eighth consecutive year at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony.
The country also received five other major regional tourism awards, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination for the ninth time and Asia’s Leading Island Destination for the third consecutive year.
Boracay retained its Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination title for the third straight year, while the Department of Tourism (DOT) was named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board for the fourth time.
The City of San Fernando, Pampanga, meanwhile, won Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination for the first time, giving the Philippines its first victory in the category.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the DOT plans to further develop diving as one of the country’s major tourism products in 2027.
“This means improving access and logistics to our dive destinations and strengthening promotions that showcase the exceptional marine and natural assets we have across the country,” Angara-Mathay said in a statement Wednesday night.
The DOT also plans to strengthen safety and security measures for local and international travelers and expand training and education for tourism workers serving dive and beach destinations.
“Our goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer, more accessible, and easier for travelers to experience, supported by more efficient services and better-connected destinations,” she said.
Nine Philippine tourism industry establishments and companies also received Asia-level awards at the ceremony.
Philippine Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline, while Savoy Hotel Manila won Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel.
Amanpulo received the Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort award, and Discovery Primea was recognized as Asia’s Leading Business Hotel.
Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery won Asia’s Leading Design Hotel, while Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila received the Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments title.
City of Dreams Manila was named Asia’s Leading Casino Resort, Fili Hotel Bridgetowne won Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project, and Okada Manila received the Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort award.
The regional winners will advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they will compete with other regional awardees for the World categories.
The awards ceremony was held at CROSSROADS Maldives on Sept. 27.
Photo courtesy of Klook
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