The Philippines has been named Destination of the Year at the prestigious Routes Asia 2025 Awards held in Perth, Australia.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) delegation, led by Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, Director Warner Andrada, and Tourism Attaché Purificacion Suanding-Molintas, received the award during the ceremony.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted that this recognition affirms the agency’s efforts in strengthening the country’s air connectivity through strategic marketing, industry collaborations, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
“These awards are a testament to our strong partnerships in the aviation and travel industry, our unwavering focus on connectivity, and our collective vision of positioning the Philippines as a premier global destination,” Frasco stated.
Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership, the DOT has significantly enhanced Philippine tourism by expanding air access and infrastructure. As of February 28, 2025, the country boasts 46 new domestic and 47 international routes, improving accessibility to destinations such as Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron.
The Routes Asia Awards honor excellence in air service development and marketing across the Asia-Pacific region. They recognize collaboration among airlines, airports, and tourism authorities in shaping future air services.
Additionally, Cebu Pacific secured the Best Airline award for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its status as a leader in Philippine aviation. The airline expanded significantly in 2024, launching 31 new routes and resuming hub operations in Davao and Iloilo.
The Philippines also earned nominations in two key airport categories: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for the 5–20 Million Passengers category and Clark International Airport (CRK) for the Under 5 Million Passengers category—both previously recognized for their impressive growth and route development strategies.