PHL named World's Leading Dive Destination at World Travel Awards 2019

The Philippines bagged the World's Leading Dive Destination for the first time during the World Travel Awards Grand Final gala ceremony held Thursday at the Royal Opera House Muscat in Muscat, Oman.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines won over eight other dive destinations nominated for the same category, namely Azores Islands, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.

“Dubbed by marine experts and scientists as the heart of marine biodiversity in the world, our country is home to the highest concentration of coral reef life and astounding variety of marine species. This latest recognition is a validation that the Philippines is truly a premier dive destination,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The Philippines bested eight other global dive destinations for WTA's World's Leading Dive Destination award. Photo courtesy: Department of Tourism

Meanwhile, named World's Leading Dive Resort during the gala event was Amanpulo Resort in Palawan.

Last month, the Philippines won its first Asia's Leading Dive Destination award during the World Travel Awards gala event for Asia and Oceania held in Vietnam.

The Philippines' DOT also won as Asia's Leading Tourism Board for its efforts to increase tourist arrivals in the country in 2018.

“Through the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), we also ensure that diving safety and operating standards in the country are at par with the rest of the world,” Puyat said. —KG, GMA News