THE Abaca Boutique Resort in Cebu has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Boutique Beach Resort 2020 and Asia’s Leading Boutique Resort 2020 in the 27th World Travel Awards (WTA).
Abaca, which is currently closed for redevelopment, is the only resort in the Philippines that was nominated for the awards.
“It is with great excitement that we are even being mentioned. The fact that we are the only Philippine representative in two categories is very special. It shows that our team’s hard work and commitment was worth it year after year,” Abaca Group founder Jason Hyatt said.
“We feel this is a great way to end the first chapter of the Abaca Boutique Resort which will soon become the Abaca Resort Hotel in partnership with Cebu Landmasters which is slated to open in 2024,” he added.
Abaca was acquired by Cebu Landmasters Inc. in 2019. It is being redeveloped into a resort tower with 100 rooms.
Cebu has also been nominated as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination in the award-giving body.
The Philippines clinched five major nominations, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Tourism Board for the Department of Tourism (DOT), Asia’s Dive Destination and Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction for The Walled City of Intramuros.
The deadline for voting is extended until Sept. 24, 2020.
The WTA was established in 1993 to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.”
Based on its website, the WTA Grand Tour 2020 features regional gala ceremonies in the Caribbean (Bahamas), Europe (Antalya, Turkey), Africa & Indian Ocean (Nairobi, Kenya), Latin America (Santiago, Chile), North America (Thompson Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada), Asia & Oceania (Seoul, South Korea) and Middle East (Dubai).
Regional winners then compete head to head in the corresponding world categories.
The winners will be announced on the night of the WTA Grand Finals in Moscow, Russia on Nov. 27, 2020. (JOB)