Cebu, Philippines – The Philippines hosted the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards on , at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu, recognizing outstanding achievements within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tourism sector. The awards, organized by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Philippines in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, celebrated excellence across a range of categories, from travel agencies and hotels to convention centers and sustainability initiatives.
Nine tourism service providers were honored at the event, representing contributions from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The awards underscored ASEAN’s commitment to raising industry standards and strengthening regional cooperation in a sector vital to the economic health of Southeast Asia.
The ceremony took place alongside the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, with support from the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. This year’s awards focused on achievements in tourism marketing, innovation, cultural preservation, sustainability, and service excellence, reflecting a growing emphasis on responsible and high-quality tourism within the region.
Among the recipients, Shroff Travel of the Philippines received the Best ASEAN Travel Article award, recognizing compelling storytelling and promotion of destinations within the ASEAN community. CSL Travel & Tours of Cambodia was awarded Best ASEAN Tour Operator, highlighting their expertise in crafting memorable travel experiences. Sudamala Resorts of Indonesia earned the Best ASEAN Sustainability Program award, acknowledging their commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
The Philippines also secured the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction award with Enchanted Kingdom, a testament to the country’s evolving tourism offerings. SMX Convention Center in the Philippines was recognized as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre, solidifying its position as a leading venue for regional and international events.
Malaysia was prominently featured among the winners, with AirAsia MOVE receiving the Best ASEAN Marketing and Promotional Program award. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa was named Best ASEAN Hotel Package, while Borneo Nature Tours secured two awards: Best ASEAN Hotel Cultural Eco-Lodge and Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award, demonstrating a dedication to both ecological responsibility and the preservation of local heritage.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, delivered a keynote speech at the awards ceremony. She commended the winners for “representing the very best of what our region has to offer, and for setting the standard for excellence in ASEAN tourism.” Nograles further emphasized the importance of strategic destination promotion guided by shared values and mutual trust, stating that such collaboration can elevate both places and the lives of the people who inhabit them.
The TPB’s support for the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards underscores its mandate to promote the Philippines as a premier tourist destination while simultaneously strengthening its partnership with ASEANTA in advancing regional tourism initiatives. The awards serve as a platform to share best practices and encourage collaboration across the ASEAN tourism industry, fostering a more sustainable and competitive sector.
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and quality standards within the ASEAN tourism sector. The annual awards are a key component of this effort, recognizing and celebrating those who contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a world-class tourism destination. The focus on sustainability and cultural preservation reflects a broader trend within the industry towards more responsible and enriching travel experiences.
Looking ahead, the ASEAN tourism sector faces ongoing challenges, including navigating the impacts of global economic fluctuations and adapting to evolving traveler preferences. However, the commitment to regional cooperation and the recognition of excellence, as demonstrated by the ASEANTA Excellence Awards, position the industry for continued growth, and success.
