The World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, held in Manila, Philippines, brought together tourism royalty from across Asia and Oceania to recognize the travel brands pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation. Hosted at City of Dreams Manila, the ceremony marked the fourth leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organizations spanning six continents.
The red-carpet event showcased the captivating city of Manila, a global hub for both business and leisure travelers, offering a glimpse into Philippine culture, history, entertainment, and nightlife. Visitors can explore the ancient walled city of Intramuros, discover artisan markets, and immerse themselves in Manila’s thriving arts scene.
Vietnam emerged as the ‘Asia’s Leading Destination,’ with the beautiful Ha Giang province securing the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination’ and Ho Chi Minh City winning ‘Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination.’ The Hong Kong Tourism Board was crowned ‘Asia’s Leading Tourist Board,’ while Cebu, Philippines, was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.’ Bali claimed the coveted title of ‘Asia’s Most Romantic Destination.’
New Zealand reaffirmed its reputation as a destination with it all, winning ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination,’ while Sydney took home ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination.’ Fiji Tourism secured the ‘Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board’ trophy. The fusion of ancient storytelling and technological innovation helped Wintjiri Wiru – Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu to win ‘Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction.’
In the hospitality sector, W Osaka was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Hotel,’ and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort took home ‘Asia’s Leading Resort.’ InterContinental Grand Stanford emerged as ‘Hong Kong’s Leading Hotel,’ while Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts claimed ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand.’ The Ascott Limited celebrated a double victory, winning ‘Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’ and Ascott Makati, Philippines, being voted ‘Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments.’ Vietravel claimed ‘Asia’s Leading Tour Operator,’ and Discovery Primea, Philippines, took home ‘Asia’s Leading Business Hotel.’
Among the hotly-contested newcomer categories, Japan’s The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka claimed ‘Asia’s Leading New Hotel,’ Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, Hon Tre Island, Vietnam collected ‘Asia’s Leading New Resort,’ and W Sydney reigned supreme as ‘Oceania’s Leading New Hotel.’
Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, commented, “It has been a privilege to host our first ceremony in the Philippines – a celebration that has served as a fitting showcase for this incredible destination and its historic capital Manila.” He added, “Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across Asia and Oceania.”
Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Tourism, who was also awarded the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance, expressed, “Today, the Philippines stands ready to host global events of all scales while maintaining our local charm and authenticity. We are a nation that rises to challenges, innovates with passion, and embraces every opportunity with optimism, exerting every effort towards our country becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia. This year’s World Travel Awards is not only a celebration of excellence in tourism, but a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit of our global tourism community.”
Aviation winners included Singapore Airlines, awarded ‘Asia’s Leading Airline,’ and Air New Zealand, winning ‘Oceania’s Leading Airline.’ Hong Kong Airport was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Airport.’ AirAsia took double honors, landing both ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew.’ Qantas Airways claimed the title for ‘Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand.’
