The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly announced that the Philippines has clinched two significant recognitions at the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards 2024.
Celebrating its 10th year, the awards honor the most outstanding travel brands in Southeast Asia for delivering exceptional experiences and shaping the future of the industry.
“These recognitions reaffirm the Philippines as a destination that values both its natural wonders and the sustainability of its tourism industry,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
The Philippines earned recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Best Dive Destination award, showcasing its world-class diving spots and commitment to marine biodiversity conservation. This recognition solidifies the Philippines’ reputation as a premier dive destination, offering unparalleled underwater experiences with its rich marine biodiversity, iconic sites and pristine waters across its 7,641 islands.
Under the leadership of Frasco, a certified diver and advocate for marine tourism, the DOT has significantly enhanced the country’s dive tourism portfolio. Key initiatives include the expansion of the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), the increase of dive destinations to 120, the launch of the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue, and the installation of additional hyperbaric chambers in major dive hubs such as Dumaguete, Boracay, Puerto Galera, and Daanbantayan.
These efforts underscore the DOT’s commitment to ensuring diver safety, promoting sustainability, and advancing the continuous development of the Philippines as a world-class dive tourism destination.
“Renowned for its breathtaking underwater treasures, the Philippines continues to shine as a premier global dive destination.”
“Renowned for its breathtaking underwater treasures, the Philippines continues to shine as a premier global dive destination. This award celebrates the country’s unparalleled marine biodiversity, iconic dive sites, and crystal-clear waters across its 7,641 islands, underscoring its commitment to marine conservation,” the tourism chief said.
Meanwhile, the Department’s marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, clinched the Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award for the third consecutive year. This achievement highlights TPB’s steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices and driving initiatives that uphold environmental and social responsibility.
“For the third consecutive year, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines has been recognized for its unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism.”
“For the third consecutive year, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines has been recognized for its unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism. This award highlights TPB’s impactful initiatives promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility, setting the standard for sustainable tourism practices in Asia,” the tourism head remarked.
TripZilla, Southeast Asia’s leading online travel media platform, reaches over 20 million travelers monthly and is known for celebrating the best in travel through authentic endorsements and meaningful recognition.