With a coastline stretching more than 36,000 kilometers, the Southeast Asian country also won the titles of Asia’s Leading Island Destination and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the annual awards ceremony held Sept. 27.
Beach tourism is a major contributor to the Philippines’s economy, supported by the country’s tropical climate and more than 7,000 islands.
Its coral reefs, historic shipwrecks and warm, clear waters also make it a popular destination for scuba diving.
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Tourists on a beach in the Philippines. Photo by AFP |
The Philippines welcomed 4.11 million foreign arrivals from January to August, up 3.7% from the same period last year, as improved flight connectivity and tourism marketing campaigns boosted visitor numbers.
Indonesia won Asia’s Leading Beach Destination in 2023, while Thailand received the title in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize achievements in the travel and tourism industry and are often described as the “Oscars of the travel industry.”
Winners are selected through votes from travel industry professionals and the public.
Vietnam was named Asia’s leading destination at this year awards, retaining the title for a sixth consecutive year.