San Fernando City in Pampanga was named Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA), the city government said.
Other cities nominated for the same category include Beijing, Delhi, Hue in Vietnam, Kyoto and Seoul. Last year, San Fernando was a finalist.
San Fernando has been known as Christmas Capital of the Philippines for its Giant Lantern Festival held every December. The city also promotes its heritage houses, historic streets, Kapampangan cuisine and kalesa rides.
The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to recognize excellence across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
