Manila, Boracay honored anew as tourist spots
For the seventh consecutive year, the Philippines has been named World’s Leading Dive Destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA), the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Sunday.
At the awarding ceremony held in Bahrain on Saturday, Manila was also chosen for the third consecutive year as the World’s Leading City Destination, while Boracay earned back-to-back recognition as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.
“Together, the three global titles underscore the diverse strength of Philippine tourism, from marine environment and cultural hubs to luxury island destinations,” the DOT said in a statement.
Established in 1993, WTA is regarded as one of the highest distinctions in the global travel and tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco thanked the local government units, community-based tourism groups, resort and hotel operators, transport partners, cultural workers and tourism front-liners “for their work in elevating visitor experiences nationwide.”
“These recognitions truly belong to our nation’s tourism workforce. We acknowledge the efforts of our dive professionals, Manila and Boracay tourism stakeholders, and our partners across the regions as we commit to sustaining collaboration to build a more competitive and resilient tourism landscape for the Philippines,” Frasco said.
11 other contenders
According to the DOT, the Philippines prevailed over 11 other global contenders in securing its seventh consecutive title as the world’s leading dive destination.
The other finalists were the Azores Islands of Portugal, Belize, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Mexico, Seychelles, St. Kitts, and the Islands of Tahiti.
The DOT said the recognition reinforces the country’s role as a marine biodiversity hub, supported by dive operators, guides, conservation partners, and coastal communities who sustain high-quality underwater experiences.
Manila’s win as the world’s leading city destination marked its third consecutive triumph. It bested a roster of established international destinations, including Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Cancún, Cape Town, Doha, Dubai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Lisbon, London, Marrakech, Melbourne, Miami Beach, New York City, Porto, Quito, Santiago, Seattle, and Sydney.
“The distinction reflects the capital’s strengthened cultural landscape, culinary offerings, heritage districts, and improved readiness for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions,” the DOT said.
Luxury island destination
Boracay, which also defended its title as the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for 2025, prevailed over Jersey, Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Bahamas.
The DOT attributed the win to the island’s “refined visitor experience, sustainability practices, and its strong mix of high-end accommodations and services shaped by community engagement.”
According to its website, WTA’s World awards represent the top tier of the program and include winners from the regional awards. “Nominees have a proven pedigree of being the world’s best,” it said.
WTA noted that the annual final shortlist of nominees in each World category is determined through two criteria: winners from the corresponding regional awards, and vetted and approved WTA commendations.
