Intramuros, Manila’s historic “Walled City,” has once again been recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala, held earlier this month at City of Dreams, Manila.
The recognition reinforces Intramuros’ role as a key cultural and historical site in the Philippines as it draws millions of visitors annually.
“We are delighted that Intramuros continues to captivate both local and international travelers. Its storied walls remind us of our resilience as a people,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
The Philippines, which hosted the WTA for the first time, also garnered multiple accolades, including Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for Boracay, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for Cebu.
The country’s tourism campaign, “Love the Philippines,” also won Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign.
Record tourism numbers
In a further boost to its profile, Intramuros attracted a record 2.2 million visitors during Holy Week this year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has supported several initiatives to enhance the visitor experience, including the opening of the Intramuros Tourist Center, launched in June by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
The center, serving as a museum and information hub, offers guided tours, events, and services provided by trained tourism personnel.
“The Intramuros Tourist Center underscores our commitment to preserving Manila’s unique cultural heritage while providing a dynamic space for visitors to engage with our history,” Frasco added.
A journey through history
Intramuros, originally the center of political, religious, and educational life in colonial Manila, offers a range of historic sites.
Among them is Fort Santiago, a former military fortress where Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned, as well as San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Baroque architecture.
Other notable landmarks include the Manila Cathedral and Casa Manila, which showcases the lifestyle of Manila’s elite during the Spanish colonial period. Baluarte de San Diego, one of the oldest bastions in Intramuros, offers panoramic views of the historic area.
In addition to its historical sites, Intramuros offers a range of culinary and cultural experiences, with local restaurants and cafes providing traditional Filipino cuisine and cultural presentations.
Evening tours also allow visitors to explore the Walled City in a different light. For more information on visiting Intramuros, travelers are encouraged to visit the official website or download the Travel PH App.
