MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has secured its sixth consecutive title as the world's leading dive destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards, besting 10 other nominated destinations including the Maldives, Belize, and the Cayman Islands.
The announcement was made during the awarding ceremony in Portugal on Wednesday, November 27, where the tourism department's attache in the United Kingdom, Gerard Panga, accepted the award.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco shared the achievement during the launch of the Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas on Thursday, November 28.
Building on this recognition, Garcia-Frasco unveiled plans to strengthen the country's diving infrastructure during the launch of the Philippine Dive Experience (PhiDex).
Key developments include the installation of hyperbaric chambers at strategic dive sites in the country to enhance safety standards.
The announcement reflects the growing importance of dive tourism, which contributed P73 billion to the Philippine economy in 2023.
"For the sixth consecutive year, the World Travel Awards, considered the Oscars of the travel industry, has just awarded the Philippines as the world's leading dive destination for 2024," Frasco said.
The country also bagged five other awards this year. Boracay was named the World's Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024, Amanpulo the World’s Leading Dive Resort, and Manila the World's Leading City Destination 2024.
Meanwhile, the City of Dreams in Pasay was awarded the World’s Leading Casino Resort, and the DOT was recognized as the World's Leading Tourist Board 2024.
During the PhiDex launch, which was attended by ambassadors from Bangladesh, India, South Korea, New Zealand, and other nations, Frasco called on attendees to become ambassadors for Philippine diving.
"Together, we will share to the world the beauty of our dive destinations and ensure the treasures of our seas remain a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come," she said.