The Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) secured nominations to the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA), one of the most prestigious and comprehensive global recognition bodies that aims to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.”

“I am very excited to share with you that, once again, the organizers of the WTA have shortlisted the DOT and the Philippines for multiple awards under the Asia category of its annual program, which is now on its 28th run this 2021. In addition to our efforts to expand the source markets for the Philippines and prepare for the eventual relaxation of our travel restrictions, we also put equal importance in maintaining the country’s image as a top-of-mind destination among international travelers through the help of notable industry platforms such as the WTA,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The Philippines was nominated for two awards under the 2021 WTA Asia Edition, namely: Asia’s Leading Beach Destination; and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination.

On the other hand, the DOT is shortlisted as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board. At the same time, Cebu lists as one of the nominees under the Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination category.

Meanwhile, having won the 2020 Leading Tourist Attraction citation for both the World and Asia categories of the WTA in 2020, the Walled City of Intramuros is automatically nominated for the same award this year.

The 2021 WTA online voting period for Asia is from March 30 to August 16, 2021, and is open to the public and travel industry stakeholders.

Online users may simply register for an account on the WTA portal using a valid e-mail address.

After an e-mail verification, registrants will be able to cast their votes. Additionally, users who are members of the travel industry have the option to apply for an upgraded WTA account by providing additional details such as company name and association number upon registration and fulfilling the minimum requirement of ten votes.

“On behalf of the DOT, I am enjoining the support of our industry stakeholders, and Filipino and foreign travelers to support the Philippines in the 2021 WTA. By casting our votes, we can show that the Philippine tourism industry is alive and even more determined to bounce back, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Puyat said.

Votes by regular users count as one, while votes cast by travel industry voters count as two. Visit the WTA portal here: World Travel Awards 2021 Asia Nominees.