The Philippines was named Destination of the Year at the Routes Asia Awards 2025, held in Perth, Australia. The country’s strong tourism development efforts earned this top recognition, led by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Cebu Pacific was also awarded Best Airline for the second year in a row, highlighting the airline’s major role in expanding local and international travel routes.
The DOT credited the wins at Routes Asia – regarded as the most valuable awards for the route development community – to its “Love the Philippines” campaign and the recent launch of 46 new domestic and 47 international routes as of February 28, 2025. These new routes increased access to popular destinations like Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron.
“The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in working closely with our stakeholders to further strengthen air connectivity, open more routes, and enhance our gateways,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
The Philippines won over fellow nominees from Guam, Japan, South Australia, and Thailand. at the Routes Asia 2025 Networking Evening held on March 26, 2025.
“To be able to compete with esteemed tourism authorities from Guam, Japan, South Australia, and Thailand is an achievement in itself—one that reflects the growing strength and recognition of the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the world stage,” said Secretary Frasco.
Cebu Pacific stood out among airline finalists Cathay Pacific, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines. The airline launched 31 new routes, resumed its Davao and Iloilo hubs, and began flights to Kaohsiung, Chiang Mai, and Sapporo.
Cebu Pacific also made Philippine aviation history with its largest aircraft order through a partnership with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, announced at the ‘Future Skies for Every Juan’ Gala in October 2024.
Secretary Frasco emphasized the key role of airline partners, saying:
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Cebu Pacific and all our partner airlines for their tireless efforts in enhancing connectivity and making travel more accessible to tourists. Your dedication and partnership that you continue to extend to the DOT opens up destinations across our beautiful archipelago, but also ensures every journey is convenient and enjoyable for all travelers.”
Airports in the Philippines were also recognized. Clark International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport were both shortlisted. Clark competed in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, after winning in 2024. Mactan-Cebu competed in the 5–20 Million Passengers category, which it won in 2023.
Here’s a presentation at the Routes Asia 2025:
The Philippine delegation to Routes Asia 2025 included representatives from DOT, CAB, CAAP, MCIAA, ACAC, LIPAD, CIAC, BCDA, and CDC. DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, Director Warner Andrada, and Tourism Attaché Purificacion Suanding-Molintas accepted the awards on behalf of the country.
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