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Philippines cited for Global Tourism Resilience, wins World’s Best Beach, Dive, City Awards
Dubai, United Arab Emirates—The Philippines is adding four major global recognitions to the long list of tourism awards received by the country this year as it bagged four major accolades at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023 held at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday (Dec. 1, Dubai time).
For the first time, the Philippines has been given the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.” As one of only 5 countries and destinations in the world cited for this inaugural award, the Philippines and other “inaugural winners will serve as benchmarks for best practices in tourism resilience,” according to the World Travel Awards.
The Philippines is also once again awarded the World’s Leading Dive Destination and World’s Leading Beach Destination, defending its 2022 titles. For the first time, the Philippines won the World’s Leading City Destination for its capital, Manila.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has expressed immense joy in the country’s victories at the World Travel Awards, stating: “We are elated and grateful that Philippine tourism continues to soar to global prominence with tourists declaring their love for the Philippines as the undisputed World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination, and now World’s Leading City Destination, Manila. Receiving the Global Tourism Resilience Award is also especially meaningful as this is an affirmation of all the hard work done in the past year to strengthen the pillars of tourism development through convergence and collaboration towards the tourism transformation envisioned by our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. These accolades are as much a source of Filipino pride as they are a testament to the enormous contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy and global standing,” said Secretary Frasco.
“With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms, and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people. We express our profound gratitude to all who have contributed to this success and we continue to dedicate our wholehearted support to all our tourism stakeholders,” she added.
The award was received by DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno who represented the tourism chief during the awarding ceremony overseas.
“The diversity, the opportunities with sustainability, the beautiful beach resorts, and now the diving [sic], amazing, the beaches, amazing. As I said, the main asset is the people, and that is something that a lot of countries in the world don’t have. And it’s the people of the Philippines that make your tourism assets the most amazing. The work ethic, the happiness, the smile, and the hospitality that the Philippines have are global icons,” explained World Travel Awards President and Founder Graham Cooke, who shared how he personally loves the Philippines and the Filipinos.
Established in 1993, the 30th annual World Travel Awards aims to acknowledge excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
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Published:December 5, 2023
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