THE Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrated another milestone as Cebu Island secured third place in the Area Category of the prestigious NEWT Awards 2024, further highlighting the impact of the "Love the Philippines" campaign in strengthening the country's position in the Japanese market.

DOT Tokyo Office Tourism Attaché Niel Ballesteros represented Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in receiving the award from Tomotaka Isono of Reiwa Travel during the awarding ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on Jan. 25.

The NEWT Awards, organized by the global travel booking app NEWT, honored the world's most sought-after destinations, hotels and flights based on traveler preferences. Rankings were determined by the total value of tour bookings from Dec. 1, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2024.

QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH Cebu City secures 3rd place in the Area Category of the distinguished NEWT Awards 2024. The Department of Tourism (DOT) acknowledges the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders that have contributed to Cebu’s remarkable achievement. IMAGE FROM DOT
QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH Cebu City secures 3rd place in the Area Category of the distinguished NEWT Awards 2024. The Department of Tourism (DOT) acknowledges the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders that have contributed to Cebu’s remarkable achievement. IMAGE FROM DOT

Cebu's third rank underscored its growing appeal among Japanese and international travelers, reinforcing its position as a premier island destination.

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"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," Secretary Frasco enthused.