Cebu ranked third in the NEWT Awards 2024

Cebu proudly secured third place in the prestigious NEWT Awards 2024.

Tokyo, Japan—The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly commemorates a significant achievement as Cebu Island garners an impressive third place in the Area Category of the esteemed NEWT Awards 2024. This accolade underscores the remarkable influence of the ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign, which has played a crucial role in enhancing the country’s prominence within the vibrant Japanese market.

In a significant ceremony held on January 25 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, DOT Tokyo Office Tourism Attaché Niel Ballesteros had the honor of representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as he graciously accepted an esteemed award from Mr. Tomotaka Isono of Reiwa Travel. The event celebrated the contributions to tourism, highlighting the collaboration between the Philippines and Japan.

NEWT Awards: Recognizing global travel excellence

The prestigious NEWT Awards, proudly presented by the innovative global travel booking app NEWT, celebrate the most coveted destinations, luxurious hotels, and exceptional flights around the globe, all curated based on the preferences of avid travelers. The rankings are meticulously calculated by analyzing the total value of tour bookings made from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024.

Cebu’s impressive top-three ranking highlights its burgeoning allure among both Japanese and international travelers, further solidifying its status as a premier island paradise. This recognition reflects the island’s enchanting landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking an unforgettable getaway.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly acknowledges the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders that have contributed to Cebu’s remarkable achievement, securing third place in the Area Category of the distinguished NEWT Awards 2024. This accolade not only underscores Cebu’s allure as a prime travel destination but also reflects the growing success of the Love the Philippines campaign in enhancing our country’s visibility and appeal to the Japanese market. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the local government units, tourism operators, hospitality providers, and community organizations in Cebu who have worked diligently to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Their commitment to excellence and sustainable tourism has been instrumental in elevating our tourism offerings,” Secretary Frasco enthused.

Philippines strengthens foothold in the Japanese market

Cebu’s esteemed recognition at the NEWT Awards reflects a burgeoning wave of interest from Japanese tourists in the Philippines. Recent data from Rakuten Travel indicates a remarkable surge in accommodation bookings across the country during the 2023-2024 holiday season, which soared to 1.82 times the previous year’s figures—marking the second-highest growth rate on the widely-used Japanese hotel booking platform.

In a related highlight, leading Japanese travel company HIS has positioned Cebu as the seventh most-booked international destination during the festive New Year period. Additionally, the island has impressively secured the fifth spot in the “Rapid Growth” category, showcasing a striking 136.8% increase in bookings year-on-year. This surge emphasizes Cebu’s growing appeal and solidifies its status as a must-visit destination for travelers from Japan.

“Japan has always been a vital partner in our tourism growth, and this award reaffirms the increasing interest of Japanese travelers in our destinations. Through strategic collaborations with Japanese travel agencies and strengthened marketing efforts, we continue to elevate the Philippines as a top choice for international tourists,” added the Tourism Chief.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) credits this remarkable growth to its dynamic ‘Love the Philippines’ promotional campaign in Japan, which features a series of impactful marketing initiatives. Notably, the fan meeting with renowned Japanese celebrity Alan Shirahama generated significant buzz, while an extensive familiarization trip for Japanese media and influencers allowed participants to experience the beauty and culture of the Philippines firsthand. Additionally, the Department’s strategic partnerships with leading Japanese travel agencies have been instrumental in enhancing awareness and positioning the Philippines as a premier travel destination, captivating the interest of potential travelers across Japan.

Japan: A key tourism market for the Philippines

Japan continues to be a vital contributor to the Philippine tourism landscape, securing its position as one of the largest source markets. It ranks third overall, following South Korea and the United States. In 2024, the allure of the Philippines attracted an impressive surge in Japanese visitors, with arrivals soaring by 22.84%. This remarkable increase brought the total number of Japanese tourists to a noteworthy 444,528, highlighting the enduring appeal of the archipelago’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

“The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing more visitors to our shores, ensuring that the Philippines is not just a travel option but a top-of-mind destination. With Cebu’s strong performance in the Japanese market, we are inspired to further expand our promotions and tourism development efforts,” Secretary Frasco emphasized.

Building on the enduring enthusiasm generated by the ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is amplifying its initiatives to entice an increasing number of Japanese travelers. This strategic focus aims not only to welcome tourists from Japan but also to broaden the Philippines’ presence in vital global markets, showcasing the country’s vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes.

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