The Philippines has reinforced its position as a leading regional dive destination, securing Asia’s Leading Dive Destination title for an eighth consecutive year as the government looks to turn international recognition into broader gains for the country’s marine tourism sector.
The award was among six honors won by the Philippines at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held Sept. 27 at CROSSROADS Maldives.
The latest recognition comes as the Department of Tourism (DOT) seeks to strengthen diving as a core tourism product, with plans focused not only on promotion but also on access, safety, skills development and visitor services at dive destinations.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the government plans to build on the latest awards by further developing the sector in 2027.
“This means improving access and logistics to our dive destinations and strengthening promotions that showcase the exceptional marine and natural assets we have across the country,” Angara-Mathay said.
The DOT also plans to put greater emphasis on traveler safety, training tourism frontliners and improving access to water-based activities, pointing to the operational challenges that come with expanding tourism beyond the country’s established beach and island markets.
The Philippines also retained its position as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, winning the category for the ninth time, while it was named Asia’s Leading Island Destination for a third consecutive year.
Boracay retained Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination title for the third straight year, while the DOT was recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board for the fourth time.
The awards also highlighted destinations outside the country’s best-known island tourism hubs. The City of San Fernando, Pampanga secured the Philippines’ first Asia-level win as Leading Cultural City Destination, with its heritage, crafts, cuisine and celebrations — including the Giant Lantern Festival — cited among its attractions.
Nine Philippine tourism businesses likewise received Asia-level awards, including Philippine Airlines, Amanpulo, Discovery Primea, City of Dreams Manila and Okada Manila.
While the awards provide international visibility for the Philippine tourism industry, the government’s next challenge is converting that recognition into sustained visitor growth and stronger tourism infrastructure. For diving in particular, that means making destinations easier to reach while maintaining safety standards and protecting the marine assets that underpin the sector’s appeal.
Regional winners will advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they will compete for global titles.
