Manila: The Philippines has once again been crowned as the World's Leading Dive Destination by the 2024 World Travel Awards (WTA), marking the sixth time the nation has achieved this prestigious title, as announced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday. The recognition highlights the country's exceptional dive spots and further elevates its reputation in the global tourism industry. According to Philippines News Agency, the WTA not only celebrated the Philippines for its dive destinations but also honored Boracay as the World's Leading Luxury Island Destination, Manila as the World's Leading City Destination, and Amanpulo as the World's Leading Dive Resort. These accolades were announced during the Philippine Dive Experience launch in Anilao, where Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the DOT's commitment to promoting sustainable dive tourism across the country. Frasco highlighted the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, noting, "The Philippines holds the distinct privileg e of being one of only 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world. And we find ourselves here at the center of marine biodiversity, where we realize that if we do not prioritize conservation and shepherd the sustainable industry-that is diving-then we risk not only losing these marine wonders but also depriving future generations of sources of income and livelihood." The WTA awarding ceremony, held in the Atlantic islands of Madeira on November 24, served as the culmination of the year's search for leading destinations and travel organizations. In addition to the dive destination title, the WTA recognized the DOT as the World's Leading Tourist Board and the City of Dreams Manila as the World's Leading Casino Resort. In the previous year, the Philippines also secured awards as the World's Leading Beach Destination and recognized Manila as the World's Leading City Destination. Diving continues to be one of the country's top tourism offerings, significantly contributing to the economy. In 2023, Secretary Frasco reported that dive tourism generated PHP73 billion in revenue, underscoring its vital role in promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the livelihoods of countless Filipinos.