Gov’t tourism-promotion efforts gain headway

Malacañang announced last week that the Marcos administration is making significant progress in promoting Philippine tourism, as the country earned seven nominations at the prestigious Travel Awards 2025.

“Nominado muli sa iba’t ibang kategorya sa 2025 World Travel Awards ang Pilipinas,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a press briefing.

“Ang mga nominasyong ito ay patunay sa likas na ganda ng Pilipinas at masigasig na pagtutok ni Pangulong Marcos at ng administrasyon sa turismo,” she added.

The Philippines is defending its titles with nominations for Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination, as announced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday.

The country’s premier tourist destinations were also named nominees in the following categories: Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination; Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction; and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.

The DOT itself was also nominated as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.

Castro described the nominations as “another good news” for the country.

Voters can participate by creating an account at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote to cast their votes for the Philippines in various categories. The voting for the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards opened on April 1 and will run until Aug. 31.

The Philippines has held the title of Asia’s Leading Dive Destination since 2019.

In 2019, Boracay Island was also named Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, while Intramuros was recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Cebu was hailed as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.