Cebu Resorts Win Oscars in the Travel Industry in 2025

Cebu tourism has made its presence known once again. The island was prominently recognized during the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, which was held on October 13, 2025 in Hong Kong.

The prestigious award ceremony handed out trophies for Philippines-based categories to three Cebu resorts: Dusit Thani Mactan, bai Hotel, and Bluewater Sumilon.

The Department of Tourism Central Visayas Office congratulated the major tourist spots on Facebook, calling them “the driving force behind our region’s tourism success.” 

AWARD-WINNING CEBU RESORTS 

1. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu – Philippines’ Leading Family Resort

This beloved Mactan hotel surpassed other luxurious hotels on the island, including last year’s winner, Shangri-La Mactan. This recognition marks its reputation as the top family beach resort destination in Cebu.

The five-star beachfront hotel is celebrated for its family-friendly amenities, like its Kid’s Play Area, Game Room, Kid’s Club, and kid-friendly buffets. Families can also enjoy the convenience of babysitting services, with professional caregivers to supervise and entertain children.

It’s known for its signature blend of Thai and Filipino hospitality, showcased in its full-service Thai spa, acclaimed infinity pool, and personalized service. The tropical setting offers direct access to the beach as well, with stunning views of the Mactan Channel.

Aside from the World Travel Awards, Dusit Thani has earned additional honors:

• Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific – named the Philippines’ Beach Island and Upcountry Resort.
  
  
• Michelin Key Award – one of the first Cebu resorts to be recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide with a Michelin Key, noting its outstanding quality and hospitality standards.
  

Families, leisure travelers, and even business guests commend the property for its modern facilities, excellent dining options, attentive staff, and immersive cultural activities.

2. bai Hotel Cebu – Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel 

This is the hotel’s second consecutive win (2024 and 2025). It outperformed other prominent business hotels such as The Peninsula Manila, Holiday Inn Makati, and Sheraton Manila Bay.

The hotel’s commitment to excellence is reinforced by its recognition with the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard, certifying its function rooms and meeting facilities as some of the region’s best for corporate events and conventions.

Key Features & Amenities:

• 13 state-of-the-art function rooms—capable of hosting nearly 700 guests for conventions, corporate meetings, and social events.
  
  
• Signature venues like the Lakandula and Sikatuna Rooms are ideal for gatherings of up to 80 participants.
  
  
• With 668 guestrooms, bai Hotel Cebu is the largest hotel in Visayas by room capacity.​
  
  
• Each room features modern comfort and safety—high-speed Internet Protocol Television and advanced key-card security.
  
  
• There are 8 restaurants and a 23-storey tower with expansive event spaces, including the Lapu-Lapu Grand Ballroom.
  

Awards & Achievements:

• World Travel Awards: Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel (2024, 2025)
  
  
• ASEAN MICE Venue Standard: Recognized for outstanding meeting and events facilities
  
  
• World Luxury Awards: Won Luxury Business Hotel and Luxury City Hotel titles
  
  
• Multiple wins at Cebu Goes Culinary 2025, showcasing its culinary excellence
  

Additional Details:

• bai Hotel Cebu is lauded for its contemporary elegance, genuine Filipino hospitality, and its ability to cater to both business travelers and leisure guests.
  
  
• The hotel is a member of WorldHotels, enhancing its reach and reputation in the international hospitality scene.​
  
  
• It is strategically located, providing quick access to Cebu’s business, shopping, and tourism districts.

3. Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort – Philippines’ Leading Private Island Resort 

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort triumphed over notable contenders like Cauayan Island Resort, Banwa Private Island, and Amanpulo.

This is the only resort on Sumilon Island, a 24-hectare sanctuary in southern Cebu. It’s a short boat ride from Oslob. 

The island is famous for its exceptional diving and snorkeling spots, crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and rich biodiversity.

It also holds historical significance as the first marine-protected area in the Philippines, declared a marine sanctuary in 1974 through Siliman University Marine Reserve. 

Its waters teem with vibrant marine life, including trevallies, parrotfish, and occasional sightings of black tip reef sharks.

One of the best features of Bluewater Sumilon is the iconic sandbar, which uniquely shifts shape and location depending on the season. The island also features a 19th-century watchtower, a historic lighthouse, and picturesque natural caves that add to its overall allure.​

The resort is renowned for blending eco-responsible hospitality with Filipino cultural warmth (known locally as “Amuma”). In addition to its international accolades, Sumilon Island has been shortlisted for various luxury travel awards and recognized for its significant role in preservation and sustainable tourism.​

Additional Information:

• For activities, you can go kayaking in the lagoon, trekking, or birdwatching. There are also whale shark interactions nearby in Oslob. Lastly, you can enjoy a soothing relaxation in their elegant villas.
  
  
• Bluewater Resorts Group is wholly Filipino-owned, emphasizing authentic Filipino hospitality and a commitment to sustainability.

OTHER ACCOLADES

In addition to Dusit Thani Mactan, bai Hotel Cebu, and Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Cebu’s travel industry shone with recognition for its service providers and tourism organizations:

• Travelite Travel & Tours, a Cebu City-based travel agency, received the honor of Philippines’ Leading Destination Management Company. Travelite specializes in custom tours—including heritage walks, voluntourism programs, and experiential travel—and provides expert assistance with airline and hotel bookings, events, and incentive trips.​
  
  
• Seda Hotels was named the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel Group for its upscale suites, meeting facilities, and consistent business traveler satisfaction.​
  
  
• Robinsons Hotels and Resorts received the title of Leading Hotel Group in the Philippines, reflecting its growing footprint and excellence in hospitality services.​
  
  
• Avis Car Rentals won the Philippines’ Leading Car Rental Company, with convenient locations across Cebu, including its branch in Mactan Marina Mall near the international airport. Avis is noted for its flexible rental programs and quality vehicles.​
  

On a national and international scale, the Philippines celebrated six major awards, including:

• Leading Beach Destination
  
  
• Leading Dive Destination
  
  
• Leading Island Destination
  
  
• Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay)
  
  
• Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination (Clark Freeport Zone)
  
  
• Asia’s Leading Tourist Board (Philippines’ Department of Tourism, or DOT)

Additionally, Cebu was nominated for World’s Leading Wedding Destination, highlighting its top-tier event venues and scenic backdrops for ceremonies.

THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Recognized globally as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry,” as noted by GMA News (2025), the London-based World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to honor and celebrate outstanding achievement across all areas of travel and tourism.​

Any travel, tourism, or hospitality business that has been operating for at least one year can apply for nomination, provided it passes a rigorous application and vetting process conducted by the WTA organization to ensure eligibility for specific award categories.​

How Winners Are Chosen:

• Winners are determined by a transparent voting process. Industry professionals and registered voters cast ballots on the official World Travel Awards website.
  
  
• A professional vote is weighted as two points, while a general user vote is counted as one point, ensuring that both industry expertise and broad public input help select the winners.​
  

The awards program first celebrates regional winners from every continent during gala ceremonies held throughout the year. These regional champions then advance to the prestigious Grand Final, where the ultimate global winners are announced and honored as the best in the world.