The Philippines has been named Destination of the Year at the Routes Asia 2025 Awards held recently in Perth, Australia.

The award was personally received by DOT assistant secretary Judilyn Quiachon, director Warner Andrada, and Philippine tourism attaché for Australia and New Zealand Purificacion Suanding-Molintas.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco stated: “These awards recognize the strength of our partnerships with various stakeholders across the aviation and travel sectors, our continuous emphasis on connectivity, and our collective commitment to positioning the Philippines as a premier destination globally.”

This accolade reinforces the leadership of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in enhancing the Philippines’ air connectivity through strategic marketing, robust industry collaboration, and sustainable tourism practices.

The Routes Asia Awards are prestigious accolades in the air service development arena, celebrating excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. They showcase the collaboration between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities.

A Winning Campaign

Launched in 2023, the DOT’s flagship campaign Love the Philippines has driven demand by promoting the country’s biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and emerging tourist spots.

The efforts are aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, which aims to improve accessibility and inclusivity in Philippine tourism. As of February 28, 46 new domestic and 47 international routes are now operational, enhancing access to destinations like Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron.