Tourism industry figures gathered at the City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines, for the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Ceremony.
The event marked the fourth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations, covering six continents. They recognised the travel brands pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation in the industry.
The bustling metropolis of Manila is a global hub for both business and leisure travellers, offering a superb glimpse of Philippine culture, history, entertainment and nightlife. Visitors can experience everything from exploring the ancient walled city of Intramuros to discovering artisan markets and Manila’s thriving arts scene.
“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,” WTA founder, Graham Cooke, said.
“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.”
Philippines Department of Tourism secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, said: “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.”
New Zealand confirmed its reputation as the land with it all as it secures the “Oceania’s Leading Destination” award. Across the ditch, Sydney, won the “Oceania’s Leading City Destination” award. Aspire Lounge Perth Airport Terminal 1 International, also won Oceania’s Leading Airport Lounge 2024.
Australia 2024 awardees
- Leading boutique hotel – COMO The Treasury
- Leading business hotel – PARKROYAL Monah Melbourne
- Leading car rental company – Avis
- Leading city hotel – W Sydney
- Leading destination management company – Australia Inbound
- Leading hotel – Pan Pacific Melbourne
- Leading hotel residences – The Langham, Gold Coast
- Leading hotel suite – The Ritz-Carlton Suite @ The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
- Leading lifestyle hotel – W Brisbane
- Leading lodge – Longitude 131°
- Leading luxury hotel – The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
- Leading online travel agency – Webjet
- Leading resort – Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
- Leading retreat – Gaia Retreat & Spa
- Leading tour operator – Inspiring Vacations
- Leading travel agency – Flight Centre
- Leading travel management company – Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
New Zealand 2024 awardees
- Leading boutique hotel – The George Christchurch
- Leading business hotel – InterContinental Wellington
- Leading car rental company – Avis
- Leading conference hotel – Cordis, Auckland
- Leading destination management company – IDNZ
- Leading hotel – Chairman Suite @ Cordis, Auckland
- Leading hotel suite – Hulbert House
- Leading online travel agency – Wotif
- Leading resort – Millbrook Resort
- Leading tour operator – Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail & Coach Tour
- Leading travel agency – House of Travel
- Leading Travel Management Company – Corporate Travel Management (CTM)