Cebu nominated for travel award anew

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu gets the chance to keep its title as Asia’s leading wedding destinations after being nominated again, this time for the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards.

The Department of Tourism revealed yesterday that it got a total of 10 nominations in the WTA this time including Cebu.

The WTA is a globally-recognized program that honors excellence across all major sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

DOT said nominations are curated by industry professionals, while winners are chosen through a public voting process that includes both tourism experts and the general public.

Awards are given across regional categories --such as Asia, Europe, and the Americas-- and culminate in a prestigious grand finals.

“We are deeply honored and grateful for the continued recognition of the Philippines by the World Travel Awards. These new nominations reaffirm the strength and diversity of our tourism offerings --from pristine nature destinations and cultural hubs to world-class meeting and conference venues. They also affirm the direction we have taken in revitalizing our tourism landscape in accordance with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco in a statement.

The Philippines also got new nominations this time including Aurora Province as Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination, San Fernando, Pampanga as Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination, and Clark Freeport Zone as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination, highlighting the country’s growing roster of emerging destinations across Asia.

Aurora Province is widely known as one of the surfing hubs in the Philippines, San Fernando is recognized as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, while Clark Freeport Zone is emerging as a premier hub for business, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

The Philippines is also competing in the following categories --Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Leading Dive Destination, Leading Island Destination, Leading Tourist Attraction through Intramuros, Leading Luxury Island Destination through Boracay, and Asia’s Leading Tourist Board represented by the DOT.

No particular place had been singled out in the leading beach, dive, and island destinations with the country.

Frasco called on the public to support the country’s bid for recognition.

“I call on our fellow Filipinos and international friends to vote and help us secure these recognitions. These awards are a testament to our sustained efforts in tourism development rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence,” Frasco said.

Voting for the Philippines is now open until August 31, 2025. Voters may support the country’s nominations by creating an account at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote and selecting the Philippines in the 10 mentioned categories. — (FREEMAN)