The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) presented the 35th ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence on January 27, 2026, in Cebu, the Philippines, recognising achievements across South-east Asia’s tourism sector.
The awards ceremony was held alongside the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 with the support of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.
Now in its 35th year, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose initiatives demonstrate measurable outcomes in areas including sustainability, cultural preservation, marketing and visitor experience. The awards aim to promote quality standards and responsible tourism development across the region.
This year’s recipients represented a cross-section of tourism operators, attractions, accommodation providers and industry initiatives from across ASEAN member states.
SMX Convention Centre in the Philippines received the Best ASEAN Convention Centre award, while Borneo Nature Tours of Malaysia was recognised for both the Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award and Best ASEAN Eco-Lodge.
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa in Malaysia received the Best ASEAN Hotel Package award, while AirAsia Move, also from Malaysia, was named Best ASEAN Marketing and Promotional Programme. Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines received the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction Award, and Sudamala Resorts of Indonesia was recognised for Best ASEAN Sustainability Programme. CSL Travel & Tours from Cambodia received the Best ASEAN Tour Operator award, with Shroff Travel of the Philippines named as Best ASEAN Travel Article.
ASEANTA said the awards serve as a platform to share best practices and encourage collaboration across the region’s tourism industry. By highlighting proven initiatives, the association aims to support replication and adaptation across different ASEAN destinations.
The awards are conducted through a regional evaluation process involving tourism leaders from across South-east Asia, with ASEANTA acting as custodian of the programme.
“This year’s awardees represent the very best of ASEAN tourism – from sustainability leadership and cultural preservation to innovative marketing and world-class visitor experiences,” said ASEANTA president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga. “Their achievements show how tourism excellence can drive positive impact not only for individual destinations, but for ASEAN as a region.”
