Awards were raining down on The Philippines and Vietnam as the two nations were spotlighted in the Asia and Oceania category of the World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the global tourism industry.
The Philippines won six awards at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) at a gala ceremony celebrating the Asia and Oceania category winners in Hong Kong.
The country won Asia's Leading Beach Destination for the eighth time, Asia's Leading Dive Destination for the seventh time, and Asia's Leading Island Destination for the second time.
Boracay was also named Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination.
The Philippines' Department of Tourism won Asia's Leading Tourist Board, while Clark Freeport Zone was recognized as Asia's Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
“More than the recognition, this is a celebration of the people, especially our tourism frontliners: the guides, hospitality workers, weavers, boatmen, and countless others, whose warmth, hospitality, and resilience continue to inspire travellers from all over the globe,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
She added: "We continue to empower our people with meaningful livelihood opportunities, foster sustainable growth in our local communities, and ensure that every traveler experiences the world-class warmth and hospitality that define the Filipino brand of service with excellence.”
The awards for the Philippines was a successful follow-up to its eight awards at the WTA in 2024. Tourism contributed close to 9% to the country’s economy last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Vietnam continues to make enormous strides in the global tourism sector. The nation took Asia’s Leading Destination award, Asia’s Leading City Destination award for Hanoi and Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination award for the Dong Van Karst Plateau Unesco Global Geopark.
Meanwhile, Bali took Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination, while immersive art museum TeamLab Planets Tokyo claimed Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Australia confirmed its reputation as a tourism powerhouse to secure ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination’. Melbourne won ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination’. The fusion of ancient storytelling with a technological twist helped Wintjiri Wiru – Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu claim ‘Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction’.
The Oberoi, New Delhi, India was voted ‘Asia's Leading Hotel’, with Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort taking ‘Asia’s Leading Resort’, and Discovery Primea winning ‘Asia’s Leading Business Hotel’. Marina Bay Sands collected ‘Singapore’s Leading Hotel’.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was named ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand 2025’ and Postcard Hotels & Resorts was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand’.
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore was hailed ‘Asia’s Leading Green Lifestyle Hotel’. Vietraval continued its rise to travel stardom by claiming ’Asia’s Leading Tour Operator’. Amanpulo, on the secluded Pamalican Island, Philippines, was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort’.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong collected ‘Hong Kong’s Leading Hotel’, whilst The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai was named ‘China’s Leading New Hotel’.
Japan enjoyed double honours with Waldorf Astoria Osaka claiming ‘Asia’s Leading New Hotel’, and Rosewood Miyakojima collecting ‘Asia’s Leading New Resort’. InterContinental Auckland reigned supreme as ‘Oceania’s Leading New Hotel’.
AirAsia was named ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline’. Royal Brunei Airlines took home the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew’ in recognition of its exemplary customer service, while Hong Kong International Airport was named ‘Asia’s Leading Airport’ for its world-class facilities, innovation and traveller experience.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, is regarded as the industry’s ultimate hallmark of quality, according to the Philippine Information Agency.
The VIP event, in partnership with Hong Kong International Airport and InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, marked the fourth leg of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025 – a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “It has been a privilege to host our Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2025 in Hong Kong – one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We have celebrated the leading lights of travel across Asia and Oceania. Our winners represent the very best in tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for raising the benchmark of achievement across this remarkable region.”
The World Travel Awards final gala ceremony will conclude in Bahrain for the first time on December 6, marking the climax of the WTA Grand Tour 2025, a global search for the world’s finest travel organisations.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
