Perth: The Philippines claimed victory in two key categories at the esteemed Routes Asia Awards 2025 held in Perth, Australia on March 26. In a news release Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the Philippines was declared Destination of the Year while Cebu Pacific secured the Best Airline title for the second consecutive year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recognition resulted from the country’s aggressive efforts on the expansion of domestic and international routes. As of February 28, 46 new domestic and 47 international routes are in operation, improving access to destinations such as 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,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.
Other nominees for the Destination of the Year award included the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the South Australia Tourism Commission, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Frasco noted that the award celebrates the collective commitment of the DOT team and its supportive partners in both the government and private sectors. “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,” she added.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific competed against Cathay Pacific, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines for the Best Airline honor. The airline has launched 31 new routes, resumed hub operations in Davao and Iloilo, and introduced flights to key destinations such as Kaohsiung, Chiang Mai, and Sapporo. Cebu Pacific also formalized the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history through a partnership with Airbus and Pratt and Whitney, announced during the ‘Future Skies for Every Juan’ Gala in October 2024.
Frasco stated that the recognition underscores the vital role of local carriers like Cebu Pacific as key partners of the DOT in driving tourism growth and enhancing connectivity. “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,” she said.
In addition to the awards for the Philippines and Cebu Pacific, Clark International Airport (CRK) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) were also among the nominees at the Routes Asia Awards 2025. CRK was shortlisted in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, having won the award in 2024, while MCIA competed in the 5-20 Million Passengers category, which it previously claimed in 2023.
