World Travel Awards (WTA) has unveiled plans to hold its first ever ceremony in the Philippines. Capital Manila will welcome travel and tourism figureheads for the red-carpet WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 on 3 September. The red-carpet reception will take place at City of Dreams Luxury Resort.
WTA’s debut reflects the buoyancy of the travel and tourism economy in the Philippines. International visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 rose 15 per cent year-on-year, echoing significant investments in tourism infrastructure and improvements in land, sea and air connectivity.
The bustling metropolis of Manila is a global hub for both business and leisure travellers and the platform to experience Philippine culture, history, shopping and nightlife. Visitors can experience everything from exploring the ancient walled city of Intramuros to discovering artisan markets and Manila’s thriving arts scene.
City of Dreams Luxury Resort features three hotels: Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Manila, City of Dreams. An iconic egg-shaped dome houses luxurious VIP and exclusive gaming areas. A leisure destination, it is renowned for its distinctive restaurants, bars and luxury shops. The resort is also home to DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired family entertainment centre.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured that World Travel Awards will be heading to the Philippines for the first time, reflecting the significant strides the nation’s tourism sector is making. Manila is one of Asia’s most exciting emerging destinations, and I look forward to welcoming travel industry leaders from across Asia and Oceania to experience its many charms.”
Other regional ceremonies on the WTA Grand Tour 2024 include Berlin (Germany), Dubai (UAE), Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, and Diani Beach (Kenya). The winners of these regional ceremonies will progress to the Grand Final in Madeira (Portugal) at the end of the year when the winners of the prestigious World categories will be unveiled.