The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Philippines has garnered significant recognition, securing nominations in three prominent categories at the esteemed 24th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. This achievement underscores the country’s growing appeal as a world-class travel destination.
Wanderlust, the United Kingdom’s longest-running and largest travel magazine, has named the Philippines as a contender for “Most Desirable Country (Worldwide),” one of the highest accolades at this year’s awards. Beyond the national recognition, two of the Philippines’ most celebrated destinations have also received nominations: Cebu is vying for “Most Desirable Region (Worldwide),” while the globally renowned Palawan is nominated in the “Most Desirable Island (Worldwide)” category. The Philippines is also eligible for victory in several subcategories under “Most Desirable Country,” including Culture and Heritage, Nature and Wildlife, Adventure, Gastronomy, and Sustainability.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her delight at the nominations, stating, “These nominations affirm the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and our partners to further elevate the country’s standing as a premier destination for tourists and travelers. They inspire not only us in the Department of Tourism but also everyone in our country’s tourism sector to persist in our mission to share with the world the Philippines’ beauty in terms of nature, heritage, and culture, and also the warmth of our people.”
Secretary Frasco extended a heartfelt invitation to both Filipinos and international tourists to support the country’s nominations. “I would personally like to call on once again our fellow Filipinos, as well as our foreign friends, to show love for the Philippines by choosing it in the upcoming 24th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Let us show the world how our love for this country, teeming with natural wonders, a rich culture and heritage, and a people that are always welcoming to guests near and far, will help boost our reputation as a leading destination to love,” she urged.
Wanderlust anticipates over 200,000 unique votes for this year’s awards, with the final results to be “decided by public vote from the Wanderlust readers.” To cast your vote for the Philippines in the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, netizens are encouraged to complete the form available on the Wanderlust website.
