Phl harvests honors in 2024 World Travel Awards

The Philippines garnered four honors at the 2024 World Travel Awards, including first-time awards in two categories, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced.

- GHIO ONG

For the first time, the world-famous beach spot Boracay Island won as the "World's Leading Island Destination" this year, beating fellow nominees Jersey in the United Kingdom and Caribbean destinations The Bahamas and Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The DOT also bested its 24 rivals to become the "World's Leading Tourist Board" - a first for the agency.

Nominees to this category included tourism boards from Belize, Costa Rica, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Madeira in Portugal, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Türkiye, Santa Monica in California, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Vietnam and United Kingdom.

The Philippines was also awarded the "World's Leading Dive Destination 2024" - the sixth since 2019 and the "World's Leading City Destination" for Manila, its second recognition.

As the world's leading dive destination, the country bested Azores Islands in Portugal, Belize, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, Mexico, St. Kitts and the Islands of Tahiti.