Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The Philippines has earned a major international nod after being nominated as one of the Most Desirable Countries Worldwide in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025. This recognition comes from Wanderlust, a well-known travel magazine in the United Kingdom, where readers vote for the destinations they love most.
Also read: Cebu Travel Guide 2025: Best Things to See, Eat, and Do
The nomination shows that travellers around the world continue to be drawn to the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. It is a proud moment for the Philippines and a sign that the global travel community sees its full potential.
Cebu | Richie Chan via Canva Pro
On top of the national recognition, two of the Philippines’ top destinations have also made it to the shortlist. Cebu has been nominated for Most Desirable Region Worldwide, while Palawan is in the running for Most Desirable Island Worldwide.
Travellers know these places well. Cebu is a mix of nature, history, and city energy, while Palawan continues to impress with its limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and quiet beach towns. These nominations reflect the kind of travel experiences that stay with visitors long after their trip.
El Nido | BORIS G via Flickr
The Philippines also stands out in several other categories, including culture and heritage, nature and wildlife, gastronomy, adventure travel, and sustainability. This shows that the country is not just about scenic views. It also offers meaningful, diverse, and responsible travel experiences.
According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, the nominations highlight the country’s strength as a destination and the warmth of its people. She encouraged everyone to vote and support the country’s place on the global stage.
Tourism awards like this go beyond trophies. They help boost interest in the Philippines, attract more visitors, and support local communities that rely on tourism for their livelihood.
Voting is open until 27 October 2025. Winners will be revealed on 5 November 2025 during an event at the National Gallery in London. You can show your support by visiting the official Wanderlust website and casting your vote.
Also read: Palawan 2025: The Ultimate Guide to the Must-See Spots on the World’s Best Island
Whether your favourite memory is from a trip to Palawan, a cultural tour in Cebu, or a food crawl in Metro Manila, this is a chance to help the Philippines shine in front of a global audience.
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The only plastic we need for travel.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood stars. From hikes with killer views to beaches straight out of a rom-com, here are 10 must-do LA experiences for Filipino travellers or any wanderers in general!
Spread the good word!
Dumping trash in Japan isn’t as simple as you think. You could be visited by a police if you don't segregate your garbage right. Here’s the cheat sheet in sorting out trash for every Filipino who's moving to Japan.
Buscalan is not for the weak. You’ll suffer through hours on the road, climb until your legs give up, and lose all signal. But in the end, you meet one of the last living centenarian Tattoo Queen and let her ink you for life.
Sick of rain ruining your laundry? This app made by a Filipino student tells you the best time to hang your clothes out to dry so they don’t end up musty or 'amoy kulob'.
Moalboal in Cebu is making waves beyond its famous sardine run. From diving adventures to community pride, here’s why travellers should care.
Looking for a place to meet fellow artists and thinkers? Here are 10 collaborative spaces in Metro Manila where creatives can hang out, brainstorm, and build ideas.