The Philippines shines at the World Travel Awards 2020

With 3 islands being named 1st, 4th, and 5th’s best in Asia , the Philippines are again dominating another travel and tourism award-giving body. Known as an island paradise of 7, 107 islands, the Philippines shines at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2020 with four nominations.

The country which scored 15 nominations at the WTA Asia in August, is once again vying to win the global awards. In addition, the Philippines was able to keep its spot as the world’s leading dive destination. It also received 3 other recognitions in the travel excellence awards. This year marked WTA’s 27th anniversary by releasing this year’s nominees on September 28, 2020.

-PH 5 Major Nominations-

On October 6, the Department of Tourism (DOT) happily posted the voting competition to the social media saying:

“LOOK: We have been nominated in the next tier of 27th World Travel Awards (WTA) 2020! Let us show the Filipino ‘Bayanihan’ spirit by voting for the Philippines in four WTA World Edition categories,” DOT posted.

The Philippine tourism industry received these 5 major nominations: (1) World’s Leading Beach Destination 2020: The Philippines (2) World’s Leading Dive Destination 2020: The Philippines (3) World’s Leading Island Destination 2020: Siargao, The Philippines (4) World’s Leading Tourist Board 2020: The Philippine Department of Tourism (5) World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2020: Intramuros, The Philippines.

Fortunately, the Philippine Department of Tourism is positive the WTA recognitions will greatly help the Philippines in its post-COVID-19 operations.

The announcement of winners will be on the night of the World Travel Awards Grand Finals in Moscow, Russia. In 2019, the Philippines earned the title as Asia’s Leading Tourism Board and Asia’s Dive Destination at the WTA in Vietnam.

On the other hand, the Philippines is gradually bouncing back all its tourism operations amid the pandemic. Additionally, tourism operations in almost all cities and provinces are already in full swing, although the observation of health and safety protocols must still be paramount.

‘Safe Travels’ stamp by WTCC

The Philippines, besides shining at the World Travel Awards 2020, was also recently awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The said travel stamp recognizes the Philippines as a trusted global destination. Clearly, upon its reopening, the country strictly follows strict health and hygiene protocols to ensure safety amid the pandemic.

DOT on October 21, 2020, updated its open Tourist Spots list for all travel-goers. It also updated its reminders for sightseers to stay aware of the health and safety protocols. Subsequently, all this is paramount to ensure public health’s protection and well-being.

Among the popular tourist spots in the Philippines now open for leisure travel include Boracay, with new safety guidelines. Other newly reopened tourist spots are Batangas’ famous dive spots and Baguio City’s cool climate.

Moreover, the DOT also released fresh accommodation guidelines for all ages on “staycation” in General Community Quarantine areas. Travelers can also refer to IATF’s Updated Quarantine Guidelines for all levels of community quarantine in the Philippines.