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| (Image Source: Safari Plus/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
Nine tourism service providers from across different Southeast Asian nations were recognized at the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards last January 27, 2026 at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu, honoring outstanding achievements across the ASEAN tourism sector. Organized by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Philippines in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards recognized travel and tourism companies, hospitality and resort operators, and M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) venues, among others, that demonstrated excellence across various categories.
ASEANTA recognized distinction in tourism marketing, innovation, cultural preservation, sustainability, and service excellence, reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to raising industry standards and strengthening regional cooperation. The winners in each category included the following:
• Best ASEAN Travel Article: Shroff Travel, Philippines
• Best ASEAN Tour Operator: CSL Travel & Tours, Cambodia
• Best ASEAN Sustainability Program: Sudamala Resorts, Indonesia
• Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction: AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, Enchanted Kingdom, Philippines
• Best ASEAN Marketing and Promotional Program: AirAsia MOVE, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Hotel Package: Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Hotel Cultural Eco-Lodge: Borneo Nature Tours, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award: Borneo Nature Tours, Malaysia
• Best ASEAN Convention Centre: SMX Convention Center, Philippines
“We are deeply honored and humbled to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment in this prestigious platform in the ASEAN community. This award fuels our commitment to continuously provide magical experiences like AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY that also contributes towards our shared mission of sustainable tourism,” said Enchanted Kingdom Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon. AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said, “Our 'Travel More For Less' campaign was built on the belief that Asean’s true beauty lies in its undiscovered corners. With nearly 80% of travellers currently concentrated in just 10% of global destinations, our mission at MOVE is to rebalance the scales of tourism. By shifting the focus to hidden gems, we are not just changing how people travel, we are supporting local communities and enabling more people to discover ASEAN on a deeper level. It is a profound honour to be recognised by ASEANTA at our home base, as we continue to build a digital travel ecosystem that belongs to, and serves, the people of ASEAN and beyond.”
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles recognized the winners and their contributions to the industry, stating, “We commend you for representing the very best of what our region has to offer, and for setting the standard for excellence in ASEAN tourism. Tonight’s gathering affirms how strategic destination promotion, when guided by shared values and mutual trust, can elevate not just places, but the lives of the people who call them home.” TPB’s support for the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards underscores its mandate to promote the Philippines while strengthening its partnership with ASEANTA in advancing ASEAN tourism.
