Philippines Wins Gold in London
“This Gold Award celebrates the beauty of our islands, but more importantly, the people, cultures, and communities that make every visit memorable,” said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer. The Philippines secured the Gold Award for Most Desirable Island Country at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, topping a competitive field that included destinations worldwide. London’s historic Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College hosted the event on November 4, 2026.
Barbados and the Bahamas Rank Second and Third in Island Category
Barbados and the Bahamas placed second and third respectively in the island country category, according to British travel magazine Wanderlust. Other destinations making up the top ten included Ireland, Malta, the Maldives, Iceland, Fiji, Indonesia, and Jamaica.
The publication announced the winners earlier in the month for its 25th annual Reader Travel Awards. More than 251,000 readers cast over 8.2 million votes across 25 categories, honoring countries, cities, islands, and travel brands.
Diversity and Attractions Across the Archipelago
Wanderlust highlighted the country’s geographical and cultural diversity, noting that the archipelago spans 7,641 islands. Visitors explore destinations ranging from the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and limestone caves in Palawan to World War II shipwrecks off Coron.
Within the Most Desirable Island (Worldwide) rankings, Palawan rose to fifth place after holding the seventh spot in 2025. Additional highlights mentioned by the magazine include the rice terraces and Indigenous cultures of Luzon, the historic district of Intramuros in Manila, food experiences in Iloilo City, and Apo Reef off Mindoro.
Asian Destinations Recognized at the Ceremony
Only three countries from Asia—the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand—received Gold distinctions across the award categories. Tourism authorities said that the recognition reflects the country’s rising appeal among international travelers.
Official figures show that the Philippines welcomed 5 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months of 2026, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Awards
How were the Wanderlust Reader Travel Award winners determined?
Winners are decided entirely through public voting by the magazine’s international readership. For the 2026 edition, over 251,000 readers cast more than 8.2 million votes across 25 categories.
Who accepted the award on behalf of the Philippines?
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles accepted the award alongside Philippine Department of Tourism London Tourism Attaché Jerome Diaz and members of the TPB team on November 4, 2026.
What did event organizers emphasize during the ceremony?
Wanderlust highlighted the country’s remarkable diversity, citing destinations and experiences such as the beauty of the islands, the people, cultures, and communities that make every visit memorable.
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