Sunday, September 8, 2024 Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards (WTA), has declared the Philippines a “must-visit” destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). This announcement follows the country’s successful hosting of the 31st edition of the 2024 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony on September 3. During the event, Cooke praised the Philippines for its exceptional hospitality and tourism offerings.
“We’re proud to host our event here, and I’d recommend anyone considering hosting a MICE event to come to the Philippines,” said Cooke. The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the travel industry, is an international platform celebrating excellence in travel and tourism. The 2024 edition of the World Travel Awards’s Asia & Oceania Gala was a highlight of the World Travel Award s ’s Grand Tour, which also features stops in Berlin, Dubai, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and Kenya.
The final award winners will be announced at the Grand Final in Madeira, Portugal, by the end of the year. The Philippines took home eight major awards during the ceremony, including Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024 for Intramuros and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination 2024. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco received the special Transformational Leader Award for her efforts in boosting Philippine tourism.
Frasco expressed her gratitude for hosting the event and emphasized the country’s readiness to welcome global events. “This landmark event allowed us to share our vibrant culture and stunning landscapes with the world. We are committed to showing that the Philippines is ready to host global events while maintaining its local charm and authenticity,” she said.
Cooke, who has over 50 years of experience in the tourism industry, praised the Filipino people for their hospitality, calling it the country’s greatest asset. “The hospitality of the Filipino people is amazing. It’s what makes tourists keep coming back,” he said.
He also highlighted the country’s diverse tourism assets, including beaches, culinary offerings, and wellness experiences, all anchored by the warmth of the Filipino people. Tourism Secretary Frasco echoed these sentiments, adding that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is committed to promoting the Philippines as a top global MICE destination. The DOT worked closely with the Tourism Promotions Board to successfully stage the World Travel Award s Gala.
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