As the Philippines enters 2026, three homegrown companies have earned recognition on a prestigious regional platform, highlighting Filipino ingenuity in tourism and hospitality. Leading the pack is Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the country’s first and only world-class theme park, which received the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction award from the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) for its innovative flying theater, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY. This Enchanted Kingdom ASEAN Tourism Award 2026 accolade was formally presented during the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards held on January 27 at JPark Island Resorts and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu, coinciding with the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).
A Milestone Celebration for Filipino Creativity
Now marking its 30th anniversary, Enchanted Kingdom has long been a staple of Philippine leisure and educational tourism. With AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, EK elevated its offerings by combining entertainment with immersive education. The attraction, first introduced in 2016 and relaunched in October 2025, provides visitors with a breathtaking journey through the Philippines’ natural landscapes and marine ecosystems. Highlighting endangered wildlife and underwater environments, the flying theater promotes environmental awareness while fostering national pride. Indeed, the Enchanted Kingdom ASEAN Tourism Award 2026 highlights the significance of this achievement for the country and the region.
“We are deeply honored and humbled to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment on this prestigious platform in the ASEAN community. This award fuels our commitment to continuously provide magical experiences like AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY that also contribute toward our shared mission of sustainable tourism,” shared EK Chairman and President Cesar Mario O. Mamon, alongside Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, who received the award on behalf of the theme park. For Enchanted Kingdom ASEAN Tourism Award 2026, this recognition cements EK’s status as a leading innovator in the region.
Filipino Excellence Across the Region
Enchanted Kingdom was not the only Philippine company recognized. Muntinlupa-based Shroff Travel earned the Best ASEAN Travel Article award, demonstrating the country’s prowess in storytelling and destination promotion. The award was accepted by Chief Executive Officer Arjun Shroff. Additionally, SMX Convention Center, managed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), was honored as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre, with Senior Vice President–Operations Walid Wafik representing the venue.
These accolades reflect ASEAN’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and dedication as key drivers in advancing the tourism sector across Southeast Asia. Reviewers and industry analysts alike have noted that the recognition of these three companies underscores not only operational excellence but also the Philippines’ growing influence in regional tourism, setting a benchmark for quality and sustainability. As a result, the Enchanted Kingdom ASEAN Tourism Award 2026 serves as both inspiration and proof of this upward trajectory.
A Continued Commitment to Enchantment and Sustainability
Visitors can experience EK’s award-winning flying theater and its array of rides from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with schedules subject to change. As the park celebrates three decades of delivering memorable experiences, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY stands as a testament to how entertainment and education can coexist to inspire visitors and promote environmental stewardship.
For updates on EK’s attractions, events, and offers, guests can visit Enchanted Kingdom’s website or follow their official social media accounts: @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram.
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