Melo Villareal
Philippines Extends Winning Streak as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination
The Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a top destination for beach, island, diving, and cultural tourism after collecting six major honors at the 2026 World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony.
Philippines Named Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for Eighth Consecutive Year
Held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, the ceremony saw the Philippines named Asia’s Leading Dive Destination 2026 for the eighth consecutive year. The country also collected five other major regional awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia’s most diverse tourism destinations.
Philippines Wins Six Major Asia-Level Tourism Awards
The Philippines was recognized as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination 2026, extending its winning streak in a category that highlights the country’s extensive marine biodiversity and world-class dive sites.
The country also claimed Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2026 for the ninth time and Asia’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for the third consecutive year.
These awards recognize the Philippines’ diverse coastal attractions, from internationally known island destinations to emerging beach and diving spots across the archipelago.
Boracay Retains Luxury Island Title
Boracay once again took the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2026, marking the third consecutive year that the popular Philippine island has received the recognition.
The island remains one of the country’s most established international tourism destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, restaurants, water activities, and growing selection of upscale travel experiences.
Department of Tourism Named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board
The Department of Tourism (DOT) was also recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2026, receiving the award for the fourth time.
The recognition comes as the Philippines continues to expand tourism promotions and develop destinations beyond the country’s traditional beach-and-island circuit.
San Fernando, Pampanga Wins Cultural City Award
One of the most notable Philippine victories came from San Fernando, Pampanga, which was named Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2026.
This marked the Philippines’ first win in the category.
The award recognizes the city’s heritage, traditions, crafts, culinary culture, and festivals. Among its best-known cultural attractions is the Giant Lantern Festival, an annual celebration that showcases Pampanga’s elaborate lantern-making traditions.
San Fernando’s recognition also highlights the growing importance of cultural tourism in the Philippines, particularly destinations that offer travelers opportunities to experience local traditions, food, craftsmanship, festivals, and community stories.
Philippines Targets Safer and More Accessible Diving
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the latest recognition gives the country momentum to further develop diving as a key tourism product in 2027.
The Department of Tourism plans to improve access and logistics to major dive destinations while strengthening international and domestic promotions for the country’s marine attractions.
The tourism sector also plans to focus on traveler safety, tourism workforce training, and education for frontliners working in dive and beach destinations.
The goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer and easier to access, while improving connections between destinations and the services available to travelers.
For divers, this could mean better access to established destinations and greater exposure for emerging dive areas across the Philippines.
Philippine Tourism and Hospitality Industry Wins Nine More Awards
The Philippines’ success at the World Travel Awards extended beyond national and destination categories.
Nine Philippine tourism and hospitality industry players also received Asia-level awards.
Philippine Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline, adding another regional recognition for the country’s flag carrier.
Other Philippine winners included:
- Savoy Hotel Manila – Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel
- Amanpulo – Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort
- Discovery Primea – Asia’s Leading Business Hotel
- Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery – Asia’s Leading Design Hotel
- Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila – Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments
- City of Dreams Manila – Asia’s Leading Casino Resort
- Fili Hotel Bridgetowne – Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project
- Okada Manila – Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort
The awards reflect the breadth of the Philippine tourism industry, covering airlines, luxury resorts, business hotels, serviced residences, entertainment complexes, and new hospitality developments.
What the Awards Mean for Philippine Tourism
The 2026 World Travel Awards results reinforce the Philippines’ position across several major segments of the Asian travel market.
Diving remains one of the country’s strongest tourism products, supported by extensive coastlines, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and established dive destinations.
Continued recognition for beaches and islands also underscores the enduring appeal of the country’s coastal destinations. Meanwhile, San Fernando’s cultural tourism award highlights heritage, food, festivals, crafts, and local traditions.
For travelers planning future trips to the Philippines, the awards offer a useful reminder that the country’s tourism experience extends well beyond its most famous beaches.
From diving and island escapes to culinary experiences, festivals, cultural attractions, luxury resorts, and urban entertainment, the Philippines continues to build a broader tourism portfolio.
About the World Travel Awards
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards (WTA) recognizes excellence across the international travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
The awards are presented through regional and global programs. Regional winners advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they compete against winners from other regional categories for the World-level awards.
The 2026 Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean results place the Philippines among the region’s recognized leaders in diving, beaches, islands, tourism promotion, and cultural destinations.
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