BALER, AURORA — The Province of Aurora is steadily cementing its reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination following its nomination as Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination in the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA), a prestigious global recognition of excellence in the travel and tourism industry.
Ana Riza S. Mendoza, Provincial Tourism Officer, confirmed the nomination, which was formally endorsed by the Department of Tourism Region III. The regional office submitted a comprehensive portfolio showcasing Aurora’s nature-based attractions — including pristine coastlines, forest reserves, marine sanctuaries, protected landscapes, and expansive watershed systems.
“This is a proud moment for Aurora,” Mendoza said. “We are thankful to DOT Region III for recognizing the value of our ecological treasures and for pushing our nomination forward to the global stage.”
Dubbed the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the World Travel Awards honor industry leaders in tourism and hospitality each year. Aurora now stands alongside some of Asia’s most prominent eco-tourism destinations, with voting open to the public, tourism professionals, and international travelers.
The nomination follows Aurora’s record-breaking 1.16 million tourist arrivals during Holy Week and SUMVAC 2025, signaling the province’s growing appeal among eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers.
Mendoza emphasized that the global recognition reflects not only Aurora’s rich natural resources but also the collective efforts of local government units, tourism stakeholders, and community members in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism practices.
“A win for Aurora will not only bring honor to our province, but also inspire more nature-based tourism initiatives across the Central Luzon region,” she added.
With voting already underway, Aurora’s nomination marks a potential milestone for Philippine tourism and strengthens its standing as a model for responsible travel and ecological preservation.