THE Philippines has been named as the “world’s leading dive destination” and “world’s leading beach destination” for 2022, besting all other countries at the 29th World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman.

“These global victories for the Philippines evince the unparalleled beauty of our country and the distinct warmth of the Filipino people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Frasco added that under the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) objectives include further enhancing the development and promotion of key destinations and to “equalize development by supporting lesser-known areas across our regions.”

“These awards are a source of inspiration for us in the Department of Tourism to work even harder as the Marcos administration ushers in the resurgence of the tourism industry as a major pillar of economic growth and source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos. As we anticipate the influx of more tourists, we shall continue the work to improve the overall tourist experience in the Philippines, and herald the best of the Filipino brand to the world,” she said.

The Philippine dive portfolio continues its four-year winning streak for the World’s Leading Dive Destination title, as it lorded over the world’s finest diving destinations, which include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Cayman Islands, Maldives, Fiji, Mexico, Azores Islands, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, St. Kitts, and Belize.

As the World’s Leading Beach Destination, the Philippines also bested other beaches around the world, including previous awardees such as Maldives, The Algarve in Portugal, Jamaica, Galapagos Islands in Equador, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meanwhile, three partner tourism establishments shared the World Travel Awards distinction: Amanpulo, as the World’s Leading Dive Resort 2022; City of Dreams Manila, as the World’s Leading Casino Resort 2022; and Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, as the World’s Leading Serviced Apartments 2022.

The DOT was also nominated as the World’s Leading Tourist Board this year, while Siargao was nominated as the World’s Leading Island Destination and Intramuros as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

The 29th World Travel Awards gathered the best of the travel and hospitality industries from its regional awardees across Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East, North America, Oceania, and South America. (PR)