Philippines Triumphs with 27 Awards at ASEAN Tourism Standards Ceremony in Cebu
In a remarkable display of tourism excellence, the Philippines emerged as a top performer at the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awarding Ceremony, securing an impressive total of 27 recognitions. The event, held on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Cebu City, celebrated outstanding achievements across Southeast Asia in sustainability, urban management, and events infrastructure.
Cebu Properties Lead the Way with Prestigious MICE Venue Honors
Among the standout winners were two prominent Cebu-based establishments that underscored the province's growing reputation as a regional hub for international meetings and large-scale events. Bai Hotel Cebu received the ASEAN Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Venue Award, marking the third time the hotel has earned this distinction. Alfred Reyes, vice president for operations and general manager of Bai Hotel Cebu, accepted the award during the ceremony.
This latest recognition follows previous honors for the periods 2020–2022 and 2024–2026, solidifying Bai Hotel Cebu's consistent commitment to excellence in the MICE sector. Similarly, Shangri-La Mactan Cebu Resort and Spa was also cited under the ASEAN MICE Venue Awards, highlighting Cebu's pivotal role in the country's tourism landscape.
National and Local Achievements Across Multiple Categories
The Philippines' strong showing extended beyond Cebu, with numerous properties and local government units receiving accolades. Five Philippine properties were honored with the 10th ASEAN Green Hotel Award for their sustainable practices:
- Discovery Coron
- Le Monet Hotel
- Fairways and Bluewater Resort
- Seda Nuvali
- City of Dreams Manila
Several local government units were recognized under the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for their environmental programs:
- San Carlos City
- Sipalay City
- Ilagan City
- Iloilo City
- Tabuk City
These cities were praised for their initiatives in environmental management, sanitation, waste reduction, and public safety, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban tourism.
Expanding Recognition in MICE and Sustainable Tourism
The Philippines continued to excel in the ASEAN MICE categories, with additional awardees including:
- Marriott Grand Ballroom
- Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort Grand Ballroom
- Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
- Shangri-La Mactan
Exhibition venues such as the SMX Convention Center Manila and World Trade Center Metro Manila also received recognition, further emphasizing the country's capacity to host major events. The Palina River Cruise and Ganduyan Eco Trail capped the country's wins by receiving the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award for urban and rural tourism, respectively.
Government and Industry Leaders Celebrate Tourism Milestones
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the significance of these awards, stating that they reflect the sustained efforts of tourism stakeholders in raising standards across the region. "Each recognition reflects commitment sustained over time, standards honored consistently, decisions guided responsibly, and service delivered with consistent excellence," Frasco said. She added that such efforts strengthen confidence in ASEAN as a competitive tourism region.
Cebu's role as host of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, which ran from January 28 to January 30, 2026, further highlighted the province's central position in the country's tourism growth. According to Frasco, the recognitions reinforce the Philippines' positioning as a competitive and sustainable destination for both leisure travel and global business events.
Strategic Partnership with Agoda to Boost Digital Tourism
In a related development, the Department of Tourism (DOT) entered into a preliminary agreement with global online travel platform Agoda. Following a ceremonial exchange of a pre-signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the partnership outlines potential areas of cooperation aimed at leveraging Agoda's digital capabilities to boost Philippine tourism.
The MOU identifies initiatives that will encourage tourism establishments to secure DOT accreditation, building on both parties' earlier collaboration to promote the Tourism Quality Seal during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also sets out prospective partnerships in capacity-building programs, support for sustainable tourism practices, and coordinated marketing efforts designed to attract more visitors to the Philippines.
This strategic move underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the country's tourism infrastructure through innovative digital solutions and international collaborations.
