TripZilla Excellence Awards celebrates landmark 10th year with over 60 awards given out in 2024

 

Following a comprehensive online poll, the most beloved travel brands received the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards in recognition of their exemplary performance over the past year.

Singapore, 7 November 2024 – Marking its landmark 10th year, the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards returns to honour the most outstanding travel brands, celebrating their unparalleled achievements that have set new standards of excellence and elevated the industry to new heights. Companies that exemplify the best in travel have been selected and conferred awards through an extensive online voting exercise held from 16 to 30 October 2024. 

Organised by TripZilla, the independent and leading online travel media in Southeast Asia that reaches more than 20 million travellers monthly, the Awards recognise the popularity, achievement, and dedication of top consumer-facing brands in travel. 

The Awards features five main sectors with multiple categories to celebrate industry leaders across the region. This year’s event is the largest to date, with a record number of nominees and voters, culminating in over 60 awards recognising exceptional contributions to travel.

First-time winners who made their way into the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2024 include AXA Smart Traveller, Revolut, Skyline Luge Singapore, and Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card. Noteworthy repeat winners that have once again made the list include Science Centre Singapore, EU Holidays, and HL Assurance.

“Tourism connects people, creates jobs, and supports communities worldwide, all while fulfilling our innate wanderlust. It is a complex and profoundly impactful industry. As a leading travel inspiration platform, it’s incredibly meaningful for us to recognise the standout brands in this vital sector,” said Winnie Tan, CEO of TripZilla.com. “This year’s TripZilla Excellence Award winners are true trailblazers, crafting unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression on travellers seeking new and unique experiences.”

For the full list of 2024 winners, refer to Annex A appended below or click here.

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About TripZilla Excellence Awards 2024

Now in its landmark 10th year, the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards returns to honour the finest travel companies for delivering the most brilliant experiences and propelling the industry to greater heights. Over a hundred phenomenal organisations were nominated for an award this year. After an intensive round of voting on the TripZilla.com platform, this highly-coveted accolade was presented to more than 60 exceptional brands.

For more information, visit: https://www.tripzilla.com/excellence-awards/2024

ANNEX A

Online Travel Services - Singapore

Best Customer Service (Insurance): HL Assurance

Best Global Roaming Services: AIRSIM / AIRSIMe

Best Online Buying Experience (Insurance): HL Assurance

Best Online Travel Agency: Trip.com

Best Travel Claims Experience: Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd

Best Travel Credit Card: Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): HL Assurance

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd

Best Travel Wallet: Revolut

Most Popular Travel Insurance Company: Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd

Online Travel Services - The Philippines

Best Global Roaming Services: Cherry Roam

Best Online Travel Agency: Klook

Best Travel Credit Card: RCBC Visa Platinum

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): Chubb Travel Insurance

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): AXA Smart Traveller

Best Travel Wallet: GCash 

Travel Agencies

Best for Australia: EU Holidays

Best for China: Super Travels

Best for Europe: EU Holidays

Best for Exotic Tours: Nam Ho Travel Services

Best for Japan: EU Holidays

Best for Korea: Nam Ho Travel Service

Best for Malaysia: WTS Travel & Tours

Best for Taiwan: ASA Holidays

Best for USA: Chan Brothers Travel

Best for Vietnam: WTS Travel & Tours

Best Coach Operator: Transtar Travel

Best for Celebrity Tours: ASA Holidays

Best for Young Adults: Contiki

Most Innovative Tour Product: Travel with WEBUY

Activities & Attractions - Singapore

Best Animal Encounter: Bird Paradise

Best Attraction for Adrenaline Junkies: Skyline Luge Singapore

Best Family Attraction: Science Centre Singapore

Best Water Park: Adventure Cove Waterpark

Most Popular Attraction for Children: KidsSTOP™

Activities & Attractions - Malaysia

Best Animal Encounter: Langkawi Wildlife Park

Best Attraction for Adrenaline Junkies: LYL International Karting Circuit

Best Family Attraction: Dream Forest Langkawi

Best Integrated Marketing Campaign: Enfiniti (M) Sdn Bhd

Best New Attraction: FunPark Gamuda Luge Gardens

Best Water Park: SplashMania WaterPark

Hotels

Best Hotel Rewards: Wyndham Rewards

Hotels - Singapore

Best Budget Hotel Chain: Hotel 81

Best Business Hotel: Grand Park City Hall

Best for Families: Novotel Singapore on Kitchener

Best Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

Best New Hotel: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

Hotels - Malaysia

Best Budget Hotel Chain: Holiday Inn Express

Best Business Hotel: EQ Kuala Lumpur

Best for Families: Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Best Luxury Hotel: One&Only Desaru Coast

Best Luxury Glamping Experience: Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort

Hotels - The Philippines

Best Budget Hotel: Go Hotels Plus Mandaluyong

Best Business Hotel: Summit Galleria Cebu

Best for Families: Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Best Luxury Hotel: Limketkai Luxe Hotel

Best New Hotel: Citadines Benavidez Makati

Destinations

Best Beach Destination: Fiji

Best City Destination: Hong Kong

Best Dive Destination: The Philippines

Destination of the year: Malaysia

Sustainability Leader Of The Year (Asia): Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

About TripZilla

TripZilla is the leading online travel media in Southeast Asia that reaches more than 20 million travellers every month. TripZilla creates authentic content that inspires the world to travel and connects travellers to sources that can materialise their travel goals.

For more information, visit http://www.tripzilla.com

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Igniting Innovation: Philippine Startup Week 2024 Unites Ecosystem Players for Sustainable Growth

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Startup Ecosystem


The Philippine startup ecosystem is set to ignite a new wave of innovation and collaboration as the country gears up for the 6th edition of the Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) from November 11-15, 2024. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), this year's event promises to be a powerful convergence of stakeholders united under a common goal - to elevate and accelerate Filipino innovation for sustainable growth and global competitiveness in Southeast Asia.

With the theme "ISA Para sa Bayan: Igniting Filipino Innovation," the five-day conference will serve as a platform for the government, private sector, and NGOs to come together and drive the Philippines' startup ecosystem forward. The week-long event will feature a series of activities happening at multiple venues nationwide, connecting the startup community and shaping the future of the region's startup landscape.

Key discussions will focus on AI and other emerging technologies, and integrating sustainability in innovations and business practices. PHSW24 will also feature sessions from the ISA Steering Committee Founding Agencies, highlighting their accomplishments for the year and their plans for the startup ecosystem and community in the coming years.

Some of the highlight events include the return of Geeks on a Beach, an international conference that aims to drive discussions about the future of technology and innovation in Southeast Asia; the "Startup Pinay x Founder" conference, which provides a platform for empowering female innovators and entrepreneurs; and "Greennovation Nation," a session dedicated to exploring sustainability in business and innovation, all co-organized to spotlight the year's most promising Filipino startups.

The event will also witness the second edition of the "MMIC Startup Awards," recognizing the "Game Changing Startups for 2024" that have made significant strides in the industry.

Throughout the week, community events will also take place nationwide to drive regional startup growth and foster collaboration within the broader startup ecosystem. Partners including Villigro Philippines, ICEBOX TBI, Cebrro, Exptron, TOMASINNO Center - University of Santo Tomas (UST), ASEAN Manila, Eskwelabs, Geeks.PH, New Energy Nexus Philippines, Startup Village, TechInAsia, Viwawani Foundation, Startup QC, Ateneo Blue Nest, Batangas State University, and others will spearhead these events, bringing together over 2,000 in-person attendees across the country, 150+ speakers, and 120+ startups.

These events exemplify the collaborative spirit and diversity of the Filipino startup ecosystem, enabling attendees to learn, interact, network, and collaborate across five tracks: Discover, Develop, Collaborate, Invest, and Showcase.

"The sixth edition of Philippine Startup Week aims to broaden our horizon by not only fostering innovation within the Philippines but also strengthening connections across Southeast Asia. With funding investments for Filipino startups on the rise after the 'funding winter,' we are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs to make a significant impact in the region," said Usec Leah Buendia of DOST and the ISA Chairwoman.

The Philippine Startup Week 2024 is made possible with the support of several partners and sponsors.

Building a Sustainable Startup Ecosystem: The Role of DICT and the IIDB

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


As the Philippine startup ecosystem continues to expand, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plays an instrumental role in fostering sustainable growth through initiatives that encourage innovation, job creation, and digital transformation. Under the guidance of the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), DICT has implemented various strategies to support the startup community and ensure the country's global competitiveness in the digital economy.



The DICT's Mission and IIDB's Role in Shaping the ICT Landscape

The DICT is dedicated to planning, developing, and promoting the national ICT agenda to support the sustainable growth of the ICT-enabled industries. Through this agenda, DICT aims to create jobs and enhance the Philippines' standing as an innovation hub in Asia.

The IIDB serves as a vital arm of the DICT, working to develop a resilient ICT industry ecosystem by implementing interventions that:


Institutional Development: Collaborate with public and private sectors to drive job opportunities, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.

Policies and Regulations: Shape the regulatory environment to foster a fair and growth-oriented marketplace.

Capability Development: Provide education and training to equip the workforce with essential skills for digital careers, including software development, AI, and data analytics.

Marketing & Promotions: Promote ICT-enabled services, especially in rural areas, to raise awareness of the opportunities in this growing sector.



The Innovative Startup Act: Empowering Filipino Innovators

The passage of Republic Act No. 11337, also known as the Innovative Startup Act, marked a turning point for the startup community in the Philippines. This law provided a structured approach to support startups, offering benefits and resources designed to drive innovation and enable growth. DICT, alongside other lead agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), actively promotes the Philippine Startup Development Program (PSDP). This initiative aims to create an environment where local innovations can flourish, evolve into actual products, and scale to global markets.



Comprehensive Support Throughout the Startup Journey

The IIDB has crafted a series of initiatives that support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from ideation to product development and scaling.

Philippine Startup Ecosystem Thrives with Government Support

The Philippine government, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is playing a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of the country's startup ecosystem. The PSDP (Philippine Startup Development Program) gears the ISA (Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority) agencies to support research and development, promote participation in local and international events and competitions, collaboration, and the overall growth of enterprises.

The joint administrative order signed by the executives of the three leading agencies overseeing the PSDP, as mandated by RA 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act, has been a prominent initiative to provide comprehensive support for startups across all stages of their development.

The DICT, through its Startup Program - the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP), aims to further widen and enrich the startup ecosystem by providing adequate support and opportunities for aspiring and established startups alike. This aligns with the government's broader goal of stimulating the growth of technology-based startups in the country.

Notably, the Philippines has been recognized as one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia and Pacific Regions, with the Startup Ecosystem being a significant driver of economic growth. The country's startup ecosystem has recently been ranked 60th globally and maintained its 6th position among Asian countries, according to the Startup Blink report. Additionally, five Philippine cities continue to climb the top 1000 cities list worldwide, further showcasing the country's vibrant startup landscape.

While there have been slight downturns in the said lists, the DICT remains committed to further enhancing the startup ecosystem in the Philippines. The agency's aspirations for a vibrant future of the startup ecosystem are proven to be attainable by the continuous growth in numbers in terms of funding. In 2021, the estimated total funds raised by startups in the Philippines amounted to a total of 1.03 Billion Dollars, and this is projected to increase through the years.

The DSDAP aims to achieve the following objectives: stimulate the growth of technology-based startups, develop and promote local startup ecosystems, and extend ample, appropriate, and accessible support to startups in the countryside. These strategic initiatives underscore the Philippine government's unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive startup environment that can drive economic growth and innovation.


Here’s how DICT has been empowering Filipino startups:


Awareness and Knowledge Sharing:

DICT provides knowledge-sharing opportunities and awareness programs to build capabilities within the local startup ecosystem.

Funding Support:

Startups can access grants and incentives, helping reduce the financial burden during the critical early stages.


Information Gateway:

Establishing a platform that connects startups with investors and enablers.


Strategic Partnerships:

Working closely with venture capitalists and other startup enablers to create a supportive network.


Economic Growth Contributions:

By fostering a robust startup environment, the DICT aims to attract investors, contributing to a healthier and more dynamic economy.

These initiatives align with the department’s mission to position the Philippines as a viable and attractive destination for technology-driven investments.

DICT's Strategic Initiatives to Empower Startups

The IIDB has plotted a detailed roadmap known as the "Startup Founders' Journey," with initiatives aimed at addressing the specific needs of Filipino entrepreneurs. Some of the key programs under this roadmap include:


SCALE (Startup Community and Locale Enhancement):

Focuses on startup mapping activities, helping identify and engage local startup communities.

RAISE (Raising Awareness and Inspiring the Startup Ecosystem):

Offers learning modules and events such as Philippine Startup Week and Geeks on a Beach to cultivate industry knowledge and engagement.

STEP UP (Startup-Tailored Empowerment and People-focused Upskilling):

This is the acceleration component, which includes initiatives like the Philippine Startup Challenge, empowering startups through skills training.

Startup Grant Fund (SGF):

Supports early-stage startups with funding and coaching, allowing them to refine their concepts or minimum viable products.

Startup Philippines Website:

A dedicated portal offering a one-stop shop for startup resources, information, and support.



Milestones of DICT's 2024 Startup Development Initiatives

In 2024, DICT’s startup development initiatives, led by the DSDAP (Digital Startup Development Acceleration Program), achieved notable accomplishments, enhancing the local startup ecosystem significantly:


Six (6) Startup Ecosystem Maps Developed:

These maps provide valuable insights into the existing startup communities, allowing stakeholders to understand local trends and opportunities better.

Twenty-One (21) Startup Grant Beneficiaries: 

Funding and mentorship were granted to startups with innovative and viable ideas, giving them the boost they needed.

Sixty-One (61) Awareness and Enrichment Activities:

 
These initiatives reached thousands of participants, spreading essential knowledge and inspiration across the ecosystem.

Two (2) Regionalized Startup Acceleration Projects: 

These projects engaged twenty startup acceleration teams, providing intensive support and guidance.

13,014 Participants in Enrichment Activities:

Over 13,000 individuals participated in DICT-led startup enrichment sessions, reflecting strong community interest and engagement.

Philippine Startup Challenge:

Over its nine-year run, the challenge has brought together 2,861 participants from 214 academic institutions, resulting in 783 submissions from aspiring entrepreneurs.


The Future of Philippine Startups:

 

Building a Resilient Ecosystem

The achievements of 2024 demonstrate DICT's unwavering commitment to building a robust and sustainable startup ecosystem in the Philippines. Through the collaborative efforts of government agencies, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs, the Philippines is steadily establishing itself as a hub for digital innovation in Asia.

With continued support, mentorship, and funding, Filipino startups have the potential to make significant impacts on both local and global scales. DICT’s initiatives not only equip startups with the tools they need but also encourage a culture of innovation, positioning the Philippines as an emerging leader in the global digital economy.

This highlights DICT's role in nurturing the startup ecosystem, showcasing how the government’s support creates a fertile ground for digital innovation and growth in the Philippines.