Explore Philippines

03/03/2025

Congratulations, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco! 🎉

The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office extends its heartfelt congratulations to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for being recognized as Asia’s Influential Visionary in Philippine Tourism at the Asia’s Influential Leader Awards!

This prestigious award is a testament to Secretary Frasco’s unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative efforts in shaping the Philippines into a premier tourism powerhouse.

Your commitment to sustainable tourism and innovation continues to inspire and uplift communities across the country.
Mabuhi ka Sugboanon!

11/02/2025

09/02/2025

21/01/2025

17/12/2024

16/12/2024

08/12/2024

The Philippines has been named the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth time by the 2024 World Travel Awards (WTA).

08/12/2024

Boracay takes the spotlight once again! Proudly named the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal. 🏆

The Department of Tourism celebrates this prestigious recognition for our beloved island paradise. Let’s continue showcasing the beauty and charm of Boracay to the world — and experience it firsthand at The District Boracay.

Read more: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/12GQxmPTZTB/

07/12/2024

San Fernando, Pampanga included in CNN Travel's list of destinations to visit this Christmas

San Fernando, Pampanga joins the list of destinations known for its Christmas traditions which include cities from Finland, Spain, Germany, Canada, and more.
There is no stopping Paskong Pinoy (Philippine Christmas) from spreading the holiday cheers all around the world as another Filipino city made it to an international travel list again.

Last Monday, December 2, CNN Travel released its list of the 15 best places to go to this Christmas and included the City of San Fernando in Pampanga on the list.

San Fernando, Pampanga is number five out of 15 destinations.

CNN Travel called San Fernando a top nomination if Asia were to have a “Christmas capital.”

The news outlet also noted the city's iconic annual Giant Lantern Festival, which runs from December 14 to January 1.

“The highlight of a visit [in San Fernando] is the parol, a colorful, electric Christmas lantern that symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem,” said CNN Travel, “The parols recall psychedelic kaleidoscopes, brilliant stained glass windows, prismatic pinwheels or oversized snowflakes.”

Meanwhile, another Christmas destination on the list is the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland dubbed the “official hometown of Santa Claus.”

Some of the Christmas festivities CNN Travel highlighted are gingerbread activity for children, Elf School, and a calligraphy class to compose Christmas wishes using a traditional quill.

Visitors are also encouraged to check out the Ranua Wildlife Park, home to baby polar bears, wolverines, and moose.

Here's the complete list of CNN Travel's “15 of the best places to go for Christmas”:

1. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
2. Bogotá, Colombia
3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
4. Bath, England
5. San Fernando, Philippines
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Nairobi, Kenya
8. Nuremberg, Germany
9. Malta
10. Quebec City, Canada
11. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
12. Salzburg and Oberndorf, Austria
13. Strasbourg, France
14. Queenstown, New Zealand
15. New York City

See here : https://tinyurl.com/3v2se4rm

05/12/2024

04/12/2024

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆

Manila, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly celebrates the Philippines’ four prestigious victories at the 2024 World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony, held on November 24, 2024, at the Savoy Palace, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.

The country won as the World’s Leading Dive Destination, marking its sixth consecutive win for the category, reinforcing its reputation as a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Adding to its laurels, Manila was named World’s Leading City Destination for the second time since 2023, while Boracay was honored as World's Leading Luxury Island Destination, a testament to its pristine beaches and high-end offerings.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude for the global recognition, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made these wins possible: “We are filled with immense pride and gratitude as the Philippines continues to capture the hearts of travelers worldwide, as reflected in these prestigious accolades at the 2024 World Travel Awards. These recognitions reaffirm the Department of Tourism’s steadfast commitment to carry out initiatives with sustainability and inclusivity in mind—efforts that have been made possible through the unwavering support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his vision to establish the Philippines as a leading tourism powerhouse in Asia.”

The DOT also bagged the title of World’s Leading Tourist Board for the very first time, reflecting its successful initiatives in promoting the Philippines as a premier destination. Under the Marcos administration, the Department has prioritized sustainable tourism development projects anchored on the strategies of connectivity, convenience, and (e)quality.

The DOT has made significant strides in advancing sustainable tourism through its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which prioritizes infrastructure development, accessibility improvements, and digital innovations. Key initiatives include the expansion of tourism roads in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the enhancement of airports and seaports alongside the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the roll-out of enhanced digital connectivity with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

To enrich the travel experience, the DOT introduced projects such as the Tourist Assistance Call Center, the upgraded Travel PH App, and Tourist Rest Areas in strategic locations nationwide. Visa system improvements and the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, undertaken with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), have further streamlined travel for international visitors.

In equalizing tourism opportunities across the country, the DOT has diversified its offerings, promoting gastronomy, health and wellness, Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, heritage and culture, and sports such as golf and surfing. Programs like the Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravan, the Tourism Champions Challenge for local government units (LGUs), and the introduction of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Metro Manila, among others, have further enriched visitor experiences.

The Philippines’ latest achievements add to the accolades it garnered at the WTA’s Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, hosted by the Philippines in September 2024.

During said regional event, the Philippines swept eight regional awards, starting with Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination. Iconic landmarks and destinations also brought home awards, with Intramuros, the historic Walled City, named as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay receiving the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu honored as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for its romantic charm and world-class venues. In addition, Secretary Frasco received a special award for Transformational Leadership in Tourism. The Philippines also bagged the Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award for Love the Philippines campaign.

“These awards are a testament to the powerful synergy between the public and private sectors, driven by the aspirations set forth by our President for the country’s tourism industry, as well as the unwavering support of Filipinos across the globe. We share this remarkable achievement with our dedicated stakeholders and every Filipino who continues to champion our country as a premier global destination. Together, let us continue to invite the world to experience all that there is to love about the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco added.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. The Philippines' consistent accolades reaffirm its standing as one of the world’s top destinations, offering unparalleled experiences for travelers.

For more information on the Philippines’ award-winning destinations, visit https://thephilippines.online

04/12/2024

02/12/2024

02/12/2024