MANILA, Philippines – Nag-uwi ng apat na major tourism recognitions mula sa prestiyosong World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023, sinabi ng Department of Tourism (DOT) nitong Martes, Disyembre 5.
Ayon sa DOT, muling pinangalanan ang Pilipinas bilang World’s Leading Dive Destination at World’s Leading Beach Destination.
Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ang bansa rin ay pinangalanan bilang World’s Leading City Destination para sa capital nitong Manila.
Idinagdag pa ng DOT na ang Pilipinas ay binigyan din ng Global Tourism Resilience Award na nagpapakita ng “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.”
Ang bansa ay isa sa limang bansa na nakatanggap ng naturang award.
Ginanap ang awarding ceremony sa Dubai, United Arab Emirates noong Disyembre 1.
Iba pang titulo na natanggap ng bansa sa WTA 2023 ay ang World’s Leading Dive Resort (Amanpulo), World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort (City of Dreams Manila), at World’s Leading Casino Resort (City of Dreams Manila), ayon sa website ng WTA.
Inirepresenta nina DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano at Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno si Tourism chief Christina Garcia Frasco sa naturang event.
Sa mensahe, sinabi ni Frasco na ang pagtanggap sa Global Tourism Resilience Award ay pagkilala sa lahat ng pagsisikap ng ahensya na mapaunlad ang tourism industry ng bansa.
“With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms, and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people,” aniya.
Samantala, sa speech ni WTA President at founder Graham Cooke pinuri nito ang mga Filipino sa pagiging “main asset” ng bansa sa tourism industry nito.
“The diversity, the opportunities with sustainability, the beautiful beach resorts, and now the diving [sic], amazing, the beaches, amazing. As I said, the main asset is the people, and that is something that a lot of countries in the world don’t have,” ani Cooke.
“And it’s the people of the Philippines that make your tourism assets the most amazing. The work ethic, the happiness, the smile, and the hospitality that the Philippines have are global icons,” dagdag pa niya.
Ang WTA ay itinuturing bilang Oscars ng travel industry na itinatag noong 1993.
Kinikilala nito ang travel and tourism sa tatlong lebel, ang national, regional, at global awards sa ilang kategorya. RNT/JGC
