The Philippines achieved a monumental victory at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Bahrain on Saturday, securing three major global distinctions that underscore the nation’s diverse tourism strengths.
The country extended its dominance as the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2025, marking a remarkable seventh consecutive win in the prestigious global category.
In addition, the capital city, Manila, achieved a historic three-peat as the World’s Leading City Destination 2025, while the world-renowned island of Boracay earned back-to-back recognition as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2025.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the awards as a significant milestone, crediting the nation’s people and the collaborative efforts under the Marcos Administration.
“We extend our warmest gratitude to the travelers and tourism professionals who voted for the Philippines. These World Travel Award distinctions raise our country’s visibility and encourage the millions of Filipinos who work in tourism and contribute daily to our national development,” said Secretary Frasco.
She emphasized the commitment to leveraging these wins: “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue to strengthen tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor services so that these recognitions translate to wider opportunities for our people.”
World’s Leading Dive Destination: Seven-Straight Win
The Philippines secured its seventh consecutive title, prevailing over 12 global contenders, including renowned destinations like the Galapagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Cayman Islands. This consistent recognition reinforces the country’s pivotal role as a global hub for marine biodiversity and acknowledges the dedication of its dive operators, conservation partners, and coastal communities.
Manila: World’s Leading City Destination for the Third Time
Manila achieved its third consecutive triumph, surpassing a highly competitive field of established international destinations like Dubai, London, New York City, and Paris. The distinction highlights the capital’s strengthened cultural landscape, culinary offerings, heritage districts, and its enhanced readiness for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Boracay: World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination
Boracay successfully defended its title, prevailing over The Bahamas and Mustique. This win spotlights the island’s refined visitor experience, sustainability practices, and strong mix of high-end accommodations and services, driven by strong community engagement.
Secretary Frasco specifically acknowledged the contributions of local government units, community-based tourism groups, resort and hotel operators, transport partners, and all tourism frontliners.
“These recognitions truly belong to our nation’s tourism workforce. We commit to sustaining collaboration to build a more competitive and resilient tourism landscape for the Philippines,” she concluded.
The three global titles follow the country’s earlier success at the 2025 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala, where the Philippines and its destinations clinched multiple honors, including Asia’s Leading Dive Destination and Asia’s Leading Beach Destination.
