Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand (center), receives the Destination of the Year award on behalf of the Philippines | Photo courtesy of TTG Travel Awards
NEW YORK – Despite a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, which affected the tourism and travel industry, the Philippines added another feather to its cap during TTG Travel Awards’ 31st edition held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sept. 22. The Philippines received the prestigious Destination of the Year Award.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards Category is the only non-voting segment of the awards, with winners adjudged by TTG’s editorial team. Tourism Australia received the Best Travel Marketing Effort award, and Accor received the Most Sustainable Travel Company award.
TTG recognized 41 travel and tourism players across Asia-Pacific during the event. The Destination of the Year award is the most outstanding destination for taking proactive steps and initiatives to develop and promote the travel industry.
In accepting the award on behalf of the Philippines, Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Philippine Ambassador to Thailand, invited the audience to experience firsthand why the Philippines is the TTG Destination of the Year. “And to see, touch and taste for themselves the offerings of over 7,600 islands of the Philippines, with its vibrant culture and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people,” said the ambassador.
Paredes paid tribute to the hard work of all stakeholders of the Philippine travel industry, saying that the award validated their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to strengthen the Philippine tourism industry, which is stronger, better, and more worthy of recognition.
The Philippines previously won the Destination of the Year award in 2014.
Considered industry veterans, Resorts World at Sentosa and Frasers Hospitality earned consecutive wins as Best Integrated Resort and Best Serviced Residence Operator. Grand Hyatt Macau and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau made an incredible comeback. They were named Best City Hotel and Best Convention & Exhibition Bureau, winning in 2015.
Three other organizations that received their awards anew were Shangri-La Hotels (Best Luxury Hotel Brand), Pan Pacific Hotels Group (Best Regional Hotel Chain), and Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld (Best Meetings & Convention Hotel).
TTG Travel Awards aims to recognize the best in the travel industry across the Asia-Pacific region. It has been organized annually since 1989 by TTG Asia. Besides the Outstanding Achievement Awards category, the other categories are Travel Supplier Award and Travel Agency Awards.
Representatives from the Philippine Tourism Board and 16 MICE exhibitors joined Ambassador Paredes during TTG’s gala event.
