CEBU, Philippines — The ASEAN Tourism Association marked a significant milestone on Monday evening with the opening of the 35th ASEANTA Tourism Excellence Awards, celebrating three and a half decades of leadership and best practices in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry.

Held in Cebu alongside the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, the ceremony underscored the region’s collective push toward sustainable, high-quality tourism at a time of renewed regional planning and global competition.

In his opening remarks, ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga emphasized that the Awards had evolved into more than an annual celebration. Over 35 years, he said, they have become a regional benchmark—bringing together governments and the private sector to recognize initiatives that deliver measurable impact, innovation and responsibility.

The event highlighted strong institutional collaboration across the region. The Philippine Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines were acknowledged for their hosting role, while regional support from Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and the ASEAN Secretariat reinforced the Awards’ standing as an ASEAN-owned platform.

This year’s award recipients reflected the diversity of ASEAN tourism, spanning sustainability, cultural preservation, eco-tourism, hospitality and destination marketing. Their work, Mr. Soemawilaga noted, demonstrated that tourism success is increasingly defined by community benefit, environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.

As ASEAN moves forward under its newly launched Tourism Sectoral Plan, industry leaders framed the Awards as a practical tool—translating regional policy into action and setting shared standards for the future.

The evening concluded with a call for continued cooperation, positioning ASEAN tourism not only as competitive on the global stage, but as a model for inclusive and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

The Award winners:

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: 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

(AT/hz)