PHL named Destination of the Year by regional tour organization

It looks like the slogan has paid off.

The Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign is reaping its rewards, after the country bagged the distinction of being the Destination of the Year at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014.



The award came just a few months before the Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to raise the country’s international profile with its Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign, a press release by the DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals at the awarding ceremony held last week in Thailand. The Philippines was chosen as the region’s most outstanding destination in 2014 “for distinguishing itself with its proactive steps and initiatives towards the development and promotion of the travel industry.”

In his statement, Jimenez dedicated the award to all Filipinos.

“This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people that have ensured the acceptance of 'It’s More Fun in the Philippines' as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines. Again, the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, is our inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the Philippines—an industry that is more profitable and more inclusive,” Jimenez said.

Organized annually by the giant TTG Asia Media’s Travel Trade Publishing group, the TTG Travel Awards has been recognizing the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel trade since 1989. The Destination of the Year falls under the Outstanding Achievement Awards, and was determined by TTG’s editorial team. — Patricia Denise Chiu/BM, GMA News