Published on
January 28, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The 35th ASEANTA Tourism Excellence Awards unfolded in Cebu, Philippines, marking a monumental milestone in ASEAN’s tourism sector. The prestigious event, held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and government officials to celebrate the excellence, innovation, and collaboration that have defined ASEAN tourism over the years.
The evening was kicked off with opening remarks by Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, President of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), who welcomed dignitaries, award recipients, and industry stakeholders to the ceremony. In his address, Soemawilaga reflected on the significance of the awards, which have been a benchmark for quality and leadership in ASEAN tourism for over three decades. The event’s timing in Cebu made it even more special, as it allowed the industry to come together to showcase the achievements that have shaped the region’s tourism landscape.Advertisement
A Historic Celebration of ASEAN Tourism Excellence
The ASEANTA Tourism Excellence Awards is a hallmark of ASEAN’s commitment to fostering sustainable, innovative, and collaborative growth in tourism. For 35 years, these awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in the region, honouring individuals, organizations, and initiatives that embody the values of quality, responsibility, and positive impact. The awards serve as a key driver for setting shared standards of excellence, encouraging the adoption of best practices, and strengthening ASEAN’s position as a global leader in tourism.
In his opening speech, Soemawilaga emphasized the importance of the ASEANTA Tourism Excellence Awards as more th …