Now Philippines Joins Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and More Receive Prestigious Recognition at ASEANTA 2026 Tourism Awards in Cebu, Highlighting Innovation, Eco-Tourism, and Cultural Heritage

The 35th ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence unfolded in Cebu, Philippines, during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 and TRAVEX, recognising outstanding achievements within Southeast Asia’s tourism sector. The prestigious event celebrated the visionary organisations and individuals shaping the region’s tourism industry through innovation, sustainability, and cultural preservation, marking a significant milestone for ASEAN’s travel and tourism development.

Cebu as the Heart of ASEAN’s Tourism Celebrations

As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential annual gatherings, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards serve as a vital platform for recognising tourism excellence across ASEAN. The Philippines, as the host of this year’s awards, showcased Cebu’s vital role in the region’s tourism. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and flourishing travel infrastructure, Cebu epitomised ASEAN’s ability to blend modern tourism offerings with its deep-rooted cultural identity.

The awards are organised by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), a body dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism across the region. ASEANTA’s awards have become synonymous with raising the standards of tourism by recognising best practices that enhance the region’s competitiveness on the global stage.

ASEAN’s Unified Vision of Tourism Excellence

With a theme focused on “Honoring ASEAN’s Best in Tourism Excellence: Your Story, ASEAN’s Stage,” the ceremony underscored the uniqueness of each ASEAN destination. These destinations tell their own stories, showcasing their cultural richness and offering unforgettable experiences to travellers. The opening remarks highlighted how the collaboration across the ASEAN community strengthens the region’s collective impact on the global tourism market.

By coming together under the umbrella of ASEANTA, ASEAN nations demonstrate the importance of unity and collaboration to drive tourism growth, sharing strategies and insights that ultimately benefit all member countries. The theme of the evening was a reminder that each destination has its own distinctive narrative, which contributes to the growing appeal of ASEAN as a dynamic and unified tourism powerhouse.

Honouring ASEAN’s Tourism Innovators

The 35th ASEANTA Tourism Awards celebrated an eclectic range of award winners, each representing a facet of ASEAN’s diverse tourism sector. From eco-tourism ventures to transformative marketing campaigns, these winners have set the bar for the future of travel and tourism in Southeast Asia. The award categories celebrated innovations in sustainability, destination promotion, and excellence in hospitality services.

The winners of the 2026 ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence include:

• Best ASEAN Convention Centre: SMX Convention Centre, Philippines
• Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort: Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Eco-Lodge: Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Hotel Package: Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Marketing & Promotional Program: AirAsia MOVE, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction: Enchanted Kingdom Inc., Philippines
• Best ASEAN Sustainability Program: Sudamala Resorts, Indonesia
• Best ASEAN Tour Operator: CSL Travel & Tours, Cambodia
• Best ASEAN Travel Article: Shroff Travel, Philippines

These winners reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Southeast Asia’s tourism ecosystem, and their commitment to excellence has paved the way for future growth. Their contributions are a testament to the creativity, passion, and resilience that drive ASEAN’s tourism sector.

Raising Standards and Encouraging Growth in ASEAN

The ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence do more than just recognise individual achievements; they set a regional standard for excellence. By showcasing these exceptional models of success, the awards encourage the continued improvement of tourism services, quality, and sustainability across ASEAN. This emphasis on continuous development ensures that ASEAN tourism remains competitive and appealing to international visitors.

The awards’ transparent evaluation process, based on merit and guided by experts in the tourism field, assures that only the most deserving organisations are celebrated. This helps build confidence and trust among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and global audiences, enhancing the credibility of ASEAN tourism across the world.

Strengthening ASEAN’s Global Tourism Presence

The ASEANTA Tourism Awards also serve as a vital tool in enhancing ASEAN’s visibility as a premier global tourism destination. As the region continues to evolve, it is essential to showcase the best of what ASEAN offers, whether it’s the cultural heritage of Cambodia, the eco-tourism initiatives in Indonesia, or the cutting-edge marketing strategies in Malaysia.

By recognising top-tier initiatives, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards bolster ASEAN’s standing in the international tourism market. These awards not only acknowledge local achievements but also demonstrate the region’s commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovative tourism solutions. As the world looks to sustainable travel, ASEAN is positioning itself as a leading example for the industry.

Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Tourism

The success of the ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence would not have been possible without the support of various regional partners, particularly the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. Their collaboration ensured the seamless execution of the event and showcased the Philippines’ role in strengthening ASEAN’s tourism sector.

The partnership between ASEANTA and the Philippines exemplifies the importance of cooperation in promoting regional tourism development. It is through such partnerships that ASEAN nations can continue to grow as a unified destination, sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance the tourism experience across the region.

Shaping the Future of ASEAN Tourism

Looking forward, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence will continue to be an essential mechanism for driving ASEAN’s tourism industry toward greater success. The recognition of excellence in innovation, sustainability, and cultural preservation encourages other stakeholders to adopt similar strategies and build upon the best practices showcased at the awards. The event serves as a constant reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of setting high standards for the tourism industry.

As Southeast Asia remains at the forefront of global tourism, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards provide a crucial framework for fostering innovation and ensuring sustainability. Through continued recognition of excellence, ASEAN’s tourism sector will continue to lead by example, setting the stage for future generations of travellers to experience the best of Southeast Asia.

The 35th ASEANTA Tourism Awards in Cebu were not only a celebration of the region’s successes but also a glimpse into the promising future of ASEAN tourism. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, ASEAN continues to grow as a dynamic and competitive global tourism leader, ensuring its position on the world stage for years to come.

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