TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025 Celebrates Travel Brands That Inspire Trust and Authentic Connections in the “Search Everywhere” Era

Singapore, 13 October 2025 – As artificial intelligence, personalisation, and shifting destination preferences redefine how travellers explore the world, the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025 celebrates the travel brands leading this transformation.

Now in its 11th year, the prestigious awards recognise the most outstanding companies across the region – those who are redefining what it means to inspire, connect, and serve today’s travellers. Over 80 awards were presented this year following an extensive online voting exercise held from 22 September to 3 October 2025, celebrating brands that have not only adapted to change but are shaping the future of travel.

Travel in the “Search Everywhere” Era

Reaching over 20 million travellers across Southeast Asia each month, TripZilla’s insights from user browsing patterns across its platforms reveal that the travel discovery journey has entered a new phase – the “Search Everywhere” era. Travellers no longer begin their search on a single platform; instead, they move intuitively across multiple channels.

They use AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek to create itineraries, browse TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu for real experiences, and turn to Google Search, AI Overviews, and Google Discover for research and validation. For travel brands, visibility now means being present everywhere inspiration strikes – through AI recommendations, social discovery, and consistent storytelling. 

Meanwhile, travellers themselves are seeking purpose-driven adventures, wellness escapes, and authentic “detour destinations” away from crowded hotspots. These emerging patterns reflect a deeper shift toward more meaningful, connected travel experiences.

According to Winnie Tan, CEO of TripZilla.com, this year’s record participation highlights how both travellers and brands are evolving together:

“The way people dream, plan, and book trips is changing faster than ever. What remains constant is their desire for experiences that feel personal and real. The brands recognised this year have mastered that balance - using technology to enhance, not replace, the human side of travel. They remind us that even in an AI-driven world, great journeys are still built on authenticity, curiosity, and connection.”

Celebrating Travel’s Trailblazers

The 2025 winners exemplify how innovation and authenticity can coexist in today’s fast-evolving travel landscape.

Highlights from the 2025 Winners

DBS Multi-Currency Account – Traveller’s Favourite Multi-Currency Account

Expedia – Best Customer Service (Marketplace), Best Online Travel Agency, Best Travel App

lyf Funan Singapore – Best Co-Living Hotel

Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Best Hotel Rewards

Resorts World Sentosa – Best Integrated Resort

Singapore Cable Car (SkyOrb Cabins) – Best Scenic Attraction, Best Iconic Experience

Returning champions: Etiqa Insurance, EU Holidays, and Science Centre Singapore – recognised once again for excellence, consistency, and dedication.

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines – Retained its title as Best Dive Destination, reaffirming the Philippines’ status as a leading haven for underwater adventures.

Together, these trailblazers are setting new standards of inspiration and trust, shaping how travellers explore and find meaning in their journeys.

For the full list of 2025 winners, refer to Annex A appended below or click here.

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About the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025

Now in its 11th year, the TripZilla Excellence Awards honour the region’s most trusted and inspiring travel brands. This year saw a record number of nominees and votes, reflecting the growing influence of the awards and the dynamic evolution of the travel industry.

The awards span six key sectors, celebrating excellence across Activities & Attractions, Cruises, Destinations, Hotels, Online Travel Services, and Travel Agencies.

Each year, consumers cast their votes on TripZilla.com to select the brands that have made the most significant impact on their travel experiences. 

For more information, visit: https://www.tripzilla.com/excellence-awards/2025

ANNEX A

Online Travel Services - Singapore

Best Customer Service (Insurance): HL Assurance Pte Ltd

Best Customer Service (Marketplace): Expedia

Best Global Roaming Services: AIRSIM / AIRSIMe

Best Online Buying Experience (Insurance): HL Assurance Pte Ltd

Best Online Travel Agency: Expedia

Best Travel App: Expedia

Best Travel Claims Experience: Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd

Best Travel Credit Card: Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): HL Assurance Pte Ltd

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

Best Travel Wallet: Revolut

Most Popular Travel Insurance Company: Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd

Traveller’s Favourite Multi-Currency Account: DBS Multi-Currency Account

Online Travel Services - The Philippines

Best Customer Service (Insurance): Chubb Travel Insurance

Best Global Roaming Services: DITO eSIM

Best Online Travel Agency: Agoda

Best Travel App: Klook

Best Travel Credit Card: Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): AXA Smart Traveller

Best Travel Wallet: GCash 

Travel Agencies

Best for Celebrity Tours: ASA Holidays

Best for China: Super Travels Pte Ltd

Best for Europe: EU Holidays Pte Ltd

Best for Exotic Tours: EU Holidays Pte Ltd

Best for Japan: EU Holidays Pte Ltd

Best for Korea: Nam Ho Travel Services Pte Ltd

Best for Malaysia: WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd

Best for New Zealand: Chan Brothers Travel

Best for Taiwan: WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd

Best for USA: L.G.E Travel Pte Ltd

Best for Vietnam: Nam Ho Travel Services Pte Ltd

Most Innovative Tour Product: ASA Holidays

Activities & Attractions - Singapore

Best Animal Encounter: Singapore Zoo

Best Attraction for Adrenaline Junkies: Mega Adventure

Best Destination: Gardens by the Bay

Best Family Attraction: Science Centre Singapore

Best New Attraction: Singapore Oceanarium

Most Popular Attraction for Children: KidsSTOP™

Best Scenic Attraction: Singapore Cable Car - SkyOrb Cabins

Best Iconic Experience: Singapore Cable Car - SkyOrb Cabins

Activities & Attractions - Malaysia

Best Animal Encounter: Borneo Wildlife Cruise

Best Attraction for Adrenaline Junkies: Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur

Best Family Attraction: Zoo Negara

Most Popular Attraction for Children: KidZania Kuala Lumpur

Hotels 

Best Hotel Rewards: Millennium Hotels and Resorts

Best Integrated Resort: Resorts World Sentosa

Hotels - Singapore

Best Budget Hotel Chain: ibis budget

Best Business Hotel: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore

Best Co-Living Hotel: lyf Funan Singapore

Best for Families: Hilton Singapore Orchard

Best for Staycations: Citadines Rochor Singapore

Best Luxury Hotel: Ascott Orchard Singapore

Best New Hotel: lyf Bugis Singapore

Best Serviced Residence: Citadines Raffles Place

Sustainability Leader of the Year: lyf one-north Singapore

Hotels - The Philippines

Best Budget Hotel: Hue Hotels Boracay

Best Business Hotel: bai Hotel Cebu

Best for Families: Belmont Hotel Boracay 

Best for Staycations: Savoy Hotel Boracay

Best Luxury Hotel: Amanpulo

Best New Hotel: South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao 

Best Serviced Residence: Joy~Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila

Sustainability Leader of the Year: Admiral Hotel Manila 

Cruises

Best Cruise Amenities: Discovery Princess

Best Cruise Ship: Ovation of the Seas

Best Family Cruise: Ovation of the Seas

Best Luxury River Cruise: Pandaw River Cruises

Best Suites at Sea: Genting Dream

Best Wildlife River Cruise: Borneo Wildlife Cruise

Destinations

Best Adventure Destination: Sarawak

Best City Destination: Busan

Best Culinary Destination: Australia

Best Culinary Destination (Muslim-Friendly): Kobe City

Best Dive Destination: The Philippines

Best Music Event Destination: Sarawak - Rainforest World Music Festival

Best Muslim-Friendly Destination: Hong Kong

Best Nature & Wildlife Conservation Destination: Sabah

Best Nature Destination: Sarawak

Best Retirement Destination: The Philippines 

Destination of the Year: The Philippines 

Sustainability Leader Of The Year: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines