Philippines Shines at ASEAN Tourism Awards: 3 Cities, 21 Stakeholders Honored

MANDALUYONG – The Philippines emerged as a major winner at the 2024 ASEAN Tourism Awards, with three cities and 21 tourism stakeholders bagging prestigious accolades. The awards ceremony, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, recognized their dedication to upholding exceptional standards and promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Clean Cities and Green Hotels Take Center Stage:

• Baguio, Ilagan, and Tabuk were bestowed the ASEAN Clean Tourist City award, highlighting their cleanliness, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
• Five luxury resorts and hotels – Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Club Paradise Palawan, Bohol Beach Club, Seda Nuvali, and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay – received the ASEAN Green Hotel Award for their commitment to eco-friendly operations, community engagement, and responsible resource management.

MICE Venues Recognized for Excellence:

• 15 Philippine venues were honored with the ASEAN Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition (MICE) Venue Awards, acknowledging their high-quality facilities, exceptional services, and ability to cater to diverse MICE needs.

Palawan Resort Leads Sustainable Tourism Efforts:

• Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort received recognition as a lead partner for “Enchanting Gastronomical Sabang Delights, Beach Forest and Caves” under the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards, contributing to responsible tourism practices in the region.

Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Tourism:

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco commended the awardees for their contributions and emphasized the importance of responsible tourism. She stressed the industry’s significant role in generating revenue and employing millions of Filipinos while advocating for sustainable practices.

Inviting the World to the Philippines:

During the Philippine Night function, Secretary Frasco invited fellow tourism ministers and organizations to experience the “New Philippines” as a tourism powerhouse. She highlighted the upcoming 36th UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting in Cebu, urging attendees to witness the country’s transformation firsthand.

This impressive showing at the ASEAN Tourism Awards signifies the Philippines’ commitment to quality, responsible tourism. With its stunning destinations, dedicated stakeholders, and growing focus on sustainability, the country is poised to further solidify its position as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

What this means for The Philippines tourism in 2024?

Overall, these awards showcase the Philippines’ potential for significant tourism growth in 2024. By capitalizing on these strengths, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration, the Philippines can solidify its position as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

This recognition at the ASEAN Tourism Awards paints a positive outlook for Philippine tourism in 2024:

Increased Recognition and Credibility:

• Earning these awards highlights the excellence of Philippine tourism offerings, attracting more international attention and potentially boosting tourist confidence.

Focus on Quality and Sustainability:

• The awards emphasize the Philippines’ commitment to quality standards and responsible tourism practices, which increasingly resonate with modern travelers. This can attract tourists seeking ethical and impactful travel experiences.

Spotlight on Diverse Destinations:

• Recognition across various categories, from clean cities to sustainable resorts and MICE venues, showcases the diversity of Philippine tourism options, appealing to a wider range of travel interests.

Enhanced Competitiveness:

• These awards strengthen the Philippines’ position as a competitive tourist destination within Southeast Asia, potentially increasing its market share in the region.

Boost for Local Stakeholders:

• Recognition of individual establishments and resorts motivates continued improvement and innovation within the industry, fostering a positive feedback loop.

Opportunities for Collaboration:

• Hosting the UNWTO meeting in Cebu provides a platform to showcase the Philippines and potentially forge new partnerships for tourism development.

However, some challenges remain:

• Competition: The Philippines still faces competition from other Southeast Asian destinations.
• Infrastructure: Improvements in transportation and tourism infrastructure are crucial for maximizing tourism potential.
• Sustainability: Continued efforts are needed to ensure responsible tourism practices benefit both communities and the environment.

It’s important to note that the actual impact of these awards on tourism in 2024 will depend on various factors, including ongoing global economic conditions, travel trends, and marketing efforts.

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