The Philippines bagged two prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2019.
WTA on Thursday named Amanpulo Resort as the “World’s Leading Dive Resort”, and the Philippines as the “World’s Leading Dive Destination” during the gala ceremony held in Muscat, Oman.
Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat in a press statement said that the awards received were validation to the country’s continuous effort in marine conservation and preservation.
“Dubbed by marine experts and scientists as the heart of marine biodiversity in the world, our country is home to the highest concentration of coral reef life and astounding variety of marine species. This latest recognition is a validation that the Philippines is truly a premier dive destination,” Puyat said.
Philippines was in tight competition among other contenders such as Azores, Bora Bora in French Polynesia; the Cayman Islands; Fiji; Galapagos;the Great Barrier Reef in Australia; the Maldives; and Mexico.
Subsequently, the Department of Tourism (DOT) was also recognized as “Asia’s Leading Tourism Board” for its efforts to increase visitor arrivals for the Philippines in the previous year.
Puyat said that DOT continuously promotes the opportunity for the world to see and experience first-hand Philippine dive products and knowledge of the country’s dive destinations pointing out the country’s competitive advantage in the region, not only as a diving destination, but also as a business hub.
“Through the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), we also ensure that diving safety and operating standards in the country are at par with the rest of the world,” Puyat said.
