Philippines Won Destination of the Year Awardee 2014 by TTG in Thailand

Philippines Won Destination of the Year Awardee 2014 by TTG Travel Awards in Thailand on October 3, 2014. Philippine tourism is expected to rise as it bagged Destination of the Year 2014 awards.

SPECIAL AWARD. The Philippines is this year's 2014 Destination of the Year awardee. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has been recognized in the tourism industry, awarded the Destination of the Year at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards last October 2, at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center in Thailand.

The TTG Travel Awards are given by TTG Asia, a travel trade publication which counts industry professionals among its readership. The "Destination of the Year" category falls under the Outstanding Achievement Awards category, where winners are determined by TTG's editorial team.

According to the press release, Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals during the awarding ceremony and gala dinner. The recognition comes as Tourism department is set to launch the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign.

Also according to the release, the country was chosen as the most outstanding destination because it distinguished itself with proactive steps and initiative towards the development and promotion of the travel industry.

“We would like to thank TTG for the invaluable support extended to our organization in our marketing and information dissemination efforts. As a trusted travel trade publication, it has been a formidable partner throughout these years in bringing the Philippines closer to our markets,” Sec. Jimenez said.

“This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people that have ensured the acceptance of It’s More Fun in the Philippines as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines. Again, the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, is our inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the Philippines – an industry that is more profitable and more inclusive,” he added.

Aside from the Visit the Philippines Year 2015, the Tourism Department is also preparing for two activities - the Papal Visit in January and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit. - rappler