Agoda Earns Prestigious Great Place to Work Certification in Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam

In December 2025, Agoda, one of the leading digital travel platforms, achieved the prestigious Great Place To Work Certification for its offices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. This recognition, awarded by Great Place To Work®, is based entirely on employee feedback and reflects Agoda’s commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture. The certification highlights Agoda’s strong internal culture and dedication to fostering a work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and trust—key components that make it one of the top employers in Southeast Asia.

What Does the Great Place To Work Certification Mean for Agoda?

Achieving the Great Place To Work Certification is a significant milestone for Agoda, reinforcing its position as an employer that nurtures employee satisfaction, growth, and well-being. This certification is highly coveted by companies worldwide, as it is the only recognition based on direct employee feedback regarding workplace culture. It is awarded to companies that meet high standards for workplace practices, ensuring a thriving, high-trust environment where employees are motivated and engaged.

The Great Place To Work® certification is not just an acknowledgment of the work environment but also an indicator of Agoda’s success in building a company culture that values employees’ contributions, encourages leadership, and supports continuous development.

Key Highlights of Agoda’s Workplace Culture
Agoda has earned its reputation as a top employer by focusing on several crucial aspects that contribute to its outstanding workplace culture:

• Employee Empowerment: Agoda empowers its workforce to take ownership of their work and encourages innovation at every level. Employees are given the freedom to experiment and drive changes that contribute to the company’s success.
• Diversity and Inclusion: With over 7,000 employees from more than 90 nationalities, Agoda celebrates cultural diversity and integrates different perspectives into its daily operations.
• Continuous Development: The company invests in employee development programs, offering numerous opportunities for skill growth and leadership training to ensure its people stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
• Work-Life Balance: Agoda offers its employees flexibility, ensuring they can maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their professional goals.
• Commitment to Innovation: With a data-driven, entrepreneurial approach, Agoda promotes a culture of creativity and experimentation, allowing employees to innovate and grow the business on a global scale.

Agoda’s Workplace Achievements and Future Goals

The Great Place To Work Certification further bolsters Agoda’s standing as a company that values its people. The recognition is particularly meaningful as Agoda celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. In the two decades since its inception, Agoda has transformed from a local startup into one of the world’s most renowned digital travel platforms, helping millions of travelers access great deals on hotels, flights, and holiday properties across the globe.

Looking ahead, Agoda aims to continue building on this success by creating an environment that attracts and retains top talent, while also driving innovation and growth across its global operations. The company’s commitment to employee satisfaction and a positive workplace culture remains central to its long-term strategy as it prepares to navigate the next phase of its development.

What Does This Certification Mean for Job Seekers?

Agoda’s recent certification has profound implications for job seekers, particularly in the Southeast Asia region. Research by Great Place To Work® suggests that employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to enjoy coming to work, and they are twice as likely to earn a fair salary and receive a fair share of the company’s profits. In addition, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great manager at a certified workplace, further emphasizing the value of choosing an employer recognized for its workplace culture.

For individuals seeking career opportunities, Agoda’s recognition as a top employer means they can expect a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritizes personal growth, work-life balance, and leadership opportunities. Whether applying for roles in Agoda’s technology, customer support, marketing, or operations departments, potential employees can be confident that they will be joining an organization that truly invests in their future.

Why Agoda’s Success Matters for the Travel Industry

Agoda’s focus on employee satisfaction and its entrepreneurial approach has directly impacted its success in the digital travel industry. As a global leader in travel technology, Agoda has created a platform that not only provides travelers with the best deals but also fosters strong internal teams that can drive innovation in the competitive travel sector.

The company’s ability to attract top talent and provide a great employee experience has undoubtedly contributed to its ability to adapt and evolve as one of the leading travel platforms. With its diverse workforce, innovative technology, and commitment to employee development, Agoda has set a high standard for workplace excellence in the travel industry.

Agoda’s Impact on the Global Travel Landscape

Agoda is part of Booking Holdings and has a global reach, providing customers with access to over 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide. This vast network of accommodations, flights, and activities is made possible by Agoda’s talented workforce, which works collaboratively across offices in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and other international markets.

By fostering a work culture that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and global perspectives, Agoda has become a driving force in the digital travel industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in online travel booking. As the company moves forward, its commitment to both its employees and customers will ensure its continued success in the global travel market.

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Cebu Tourism Revival: New “Sky Tours” Offer Unique Perspectives and Drive Post-Pandemic Growth

Cebu, with its famous blend of bustling city life, historical landmarks, and pristine island getaways, has long been a cornerstone of Philippine tourism. Like destinations worldwide, its travel sector faced unprecedented challenges, prompting a critical need for innovative strategies to not just recover, but to fundamentally reinvent the visitor experience. The answer, surprisingly, lies not on the beaches or in the mountains, but high above them.

The introduction of “Sky Tours”—leisure and sightseeing experiences conducted via light aircraft or helicopters—represents a bold, high-altitude strategy designed to attract a discerning market, create unique offerings, and inject crucial momentum into Cebu’s tourism recovery efforts. This initiative signals a strategic shift, recognizing that in the modern competitive landscape, offering novel, high-impact experiences is essential for sustainable growth.

The Appeal of the Aerial View: Redefining Exploration

The core appeal of the Sky Tours lies in offering a perspective impossible to achieve from the ground. Traditional tours rely on ferries, cars, and hiking trails, but the Sky Tours allow visitors to appreciate the sheer geographic diversity of Cebu province in a single, breathtaking journey. Imagine soaring over the azure waters that surround Mactan, tracing the sharp spine of Cebu’s mountainous interior, or witnessing the panoramic scale of the metropolis itself, where city meets sea.

These tours appeal particularly to a high-value market segment—those willing to pay a premium for exclusive, time-saving, and unforgettable experiences. For the busy traveler, Sky Tours compress the time needed to see multiple attractions, transforming a multi-day itinerary into a spectacular, efficient flight path. By successfully tapping into this market, Cebu is not just increasing visitor numbers; it is increasing the average tourist spend, ensuring that the revenue generated has a maximum impact on the local economy and provides a high return on investment for the operational partners.

Economic Uplift: Diversifying the Tourism Value Chain

The Sky Tours initiative is about much more than just the flights themselves; it’s a strategy for economic diversification that touches multiple local industries.

Aviation Sector Growth: The program directly stimulates the local aviation industry, creating demand for highly specialized jobs—pilots, ground crew, mechanics, and administrative staff. This leads to the creation of high-skill employment opportunities and technology transfer.

Infrastructure Investment: To support the increased air traffic, smaller, regional airstrips, hangars, and refueling stations may require upgrading, driving investment into regional infrastructure that benefits more than just the tourism sector, improving inter-island connectivity for residents as well.

High-Value Partnerships: The flights will necessitate seamless partnerships with luxury hotels, exclusive resorts, and high-end dining establishments. This encourages the development of a premium tourism ecosystem, raising the overall quality of services and allowing local businesses to charge competitive, higher prices.

Global Marketing Tool: The visually stunning nature of aerial footage provides an invaluable, low-cost marketing tool. Breathtaking bird’s-eye views of famous landmarks like Osmeña Peak, Bantayan Island, or Malapascua are powerful drivers for social media engagement and global promotion, effectively rebranding Cebu for the discerning post-pandemic traveler.

Navigating Regulatory and Safety Hurdles

While the concept is exhilarating, the successful implementation of Sky Tours relies heavily on maintaining rigorous standards of safety and regulation. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) plays a critical role in ensuring that all aircraft, pilots, and operational procedures adhere to the highest national and international safety standards. The operators must commit to complete transparency in maintenance schedules, clear communication of flight paths, and robust emergency protocols to build and maintain public trust.

Furthermore, environmental and social consideration is paramount. Flights must adhere to strict altitude and noise regulations, particularly over sensitive wildlife areas, national parks, and quiet residential communities. The goal is to ensure that the economic benefit does not come at the cost of environmental disruption or local quality of life. The commitment to responsible, sustainable integration is key to the long-term viability and social acceptance of this high-impact activity.

The Human Story: Connecting Islands and Communities

From a human perspective, Sky Tours offer a compelling narrative of connection and convenience. Cebu Province is an archipelago; its various islands and mountain ranges are often separated by challenging ferry rides or long, winding road trips. The ability to dramatically reduce the transit time between, say, the popular dive sites of Moalboal and the cultural or business sites of Cebu City, makes a multi-faceted itinerary logistically feasible for the short-term visitor, enriching their experience without exhausting their time.

The initiative offers hope to tourism stakeholders who have endured difficult times. It signifies a bold step forward—a refusal to simply wait for the old normal to return, and instead, a commitment to creating a vibrant, new normal. For the small-business owner whose local restaurant is now a short, easy-to-reach trip from a luxury resort, or the young pilot finding new, specialized employment opportunities, Sky Tours represent genuine economic mobility and a renewed sense of purpose. It is a shared journey toward recovery, where innovation literally elevates the entire community’s outlook.

Cebu’s Blueprint for Asian Tourism

The successful execution of the Sky Tours program could establish Cebu as a blueprint for tourism innovation across Southeast Asia. Many regional destinations face similar challenges in recovery and possess diverse geographies that would benefit from aerial sightseeing. By demonstrating that high-value, niche aviation tourism can be implemented safely, sustainably, and profitably, Cebu positions itself not just as a destination, but as a leader in post-pandemic tourism strategy. The sky, once a limit, has now become the newest, most promising frontier for Cebu’s economic and cultural revival.

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‘Filipiñana’ From the Philippines to Debut at Sundance 2026, Offering New Cultural Narratives and Transforming Film-Inspired Travel and Tourism Experiences

When the independent film landscape enters the 2026 season, one of the most significant additions to the global conversation will be Filipiñana, a Philippine-produced feature selected for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Beyond the celebratory headlines, its presence at the United States’ largest independent festival marks a pivotal moment for Southeast Asian storytelling, cultural diplomacy, and the intersection of cinema with travel and tourism.

What distinguishes this development is not merely the film’s artistic merit but its ability to reveal the evolving cultural currents within the Philippines and the broader Asian region. The work presents a narrative grounded in everyday labor, hidden histories, and psychological tension within the setting of an elite leisure institution. But its influence reaches far beyond screens. As global audiences encounter the film, they also gain exposure to the environments, social settings, and cultural layers that define the Philippines as a travel destination.

This convergence of art and place is no longer peripheral. In recent years, film festivals have become gateways to new travel imaginaries, and Filipiñana is poised to position the Philippines within this expanding cultural tourism economy.

A Film that Travels Across Borders

Co-produced across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Filipiñana emerges from a long, multi-year creative process. Its story revolves around a young worker who becomes increasingly entangled with the dynamics of power and desire inside a pristine country club. What begins as an attraction soon reveals itself to be rooted in a shared violent past, exposing the darker side of institutions often associated with leisure, luxury, and social hierarchy.

This narrative, set against manicured landscapes and curated recreational spaces, inadvertently highlights a key dimension of modern travel culture: the contrast between curated tourist experiences and the invisible labor systems sustaining them. By revealing what lies beneath the polished exterior, the film invites viewers to reconsider how leisure spaces function and how tourism economies shape everyday realities.

Moreover, its transnational production signals that contemporary Filipino cinema is no longer confined to local boundaries. As production alliances strengthen, these partnerships often lead to increased global visibility, enhanced film tourism, and deeper curiosity among international travelers seeking to understand the cultures behind the films they admire.

Sundance as a Global Gateway

Premiering at Sundance places Filipiñana within an influential framework. The festival has long served as a platform where independent films launch into global distribution, mainstream discourse, and cross-cultural dialogue. For national cinemas, especially from the Global South, Sundance can become a catalytic moment that reshapes how countries are viewed on the world stage.

This expanded presence has tangible effects on travel and tourism. Countries with strong cinematic visibility often experience increased visitor interest, as film-driven tourism becomes a significant cultural and economic force. Locations featured in films, themes explored in narratives, and even sociocultural settings become points of attraction for curious travelers. By premiering within such a recognized environment, Filipiñana positions the Philippines as a fresh cinematic and cultural destination for global audiences.

Film tourism in Asia—previously dominated by specific hubs such as Japan, South Korea, and India—may now see a shift as more viewers discover Filipino narratives, landscapes, and cultural motifs through films that travel internationally.

Reframing the Philippines Through Cinema

One of the most compelling outcomes of Filipiñana is its potential to introduce a different image of the Philippines to international audiences. Rather than relying on the usual tourist staples—beaches, festivals, and natural wonders—the film foregrounds complex social dynamics, unseen forms of labor, and the contradictions embedded in recreational spaces.

This nuanced portrayal offers a layered picture of the country, appealing to travelers who seek cultural depth rather than superficial sightseeing. In recent years, global tourism has increasingly moved toward experiences tied to cultural authenticity, community narratives, and lived histories. A film like Filipiñana, which challenges the idyllic image of leisure spaces, encourages visitors to engage with the Philippines in more thoughtful ways.

The film’s setting—an exclusive club—may initially seem disconnected from mainstream tourism. Yet these controlled landscapes often mirror broader themes found in travel environments: gated resorts, exclusive recreational sites, and carefully curated hospitality spaces. By deconstructing these spaces, the film indirectly prompts viewers to question their own experiences of tourism, privilege, and access.

The Hidden Labor Behind Leisure

A significant theme of the film is its focus on workers whose tasks remain invisible to those seeking leisure. This theme resonates powerfully within global tourism industries, including in the Philippines. Resorts, hotels, golf clubs, and private leisure estates form a major part of the country’s tourism infrastructure, yet the labor that sustains these environments often receives little attention.

By centering a character who works within a privileged space, Filipiñana compels viewers to consider the economic and historical forces shaping leisure environments. This perspective may encourage more responsible tourism, where travelers become conscious of labor conditions, local economies, and cultural contexts beneath the glossy surfaces of holiday destinations.

Additionally, as international viewers engage with these narratives, the Philippines may see increased interest in social-impact tourism, cultural immersion programs, and travel routes that move beyond commercialized beachfronts.

Cinema as Cultural Diplomacy

The selection of Filipiñana for an esteemed international festival also constitutes a form of cultural diplomacy. Countries often rely on cinema to project perspectives, histories, and identities that shape how the world understands them. For the Philippines, a nation with layered colonial histories and dynamic regional identities, such representation is particularly important.

The film’s involvement in a competition that includes entries from regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Oceania places Philippine cinema within a globally competitive and culturally diverse arena. Its presence signals that Filipino stories are not peripheral but central to the evolving landscape of world cinema.

As such films circulate, they contribute to cultural curiosity, scholarship, and global tourism, drawing audiences who wish to visit the locations that inform and inspire these narratives.

A New Era for Philippine Film Tourism

Film tourism has reshaped travel patterns worldwide, from New Zealand’s surge after epic fantasy sagas to Korea’s booming visitor figures following global television dramas. For the Philippines, whose cinema has historically been celebrated but less globally marketed, Filipiñana could initiate a similar trajectory.

By situating Filipino culture within an international cinematic framework, the film may stimulate interest in:

• Touring film production sites
• Exploring cultural histories reflected in the narrative
• Visiting leisure landscapes similar to those portrayed
• Understanding the socio-political themes embedded in Filipino storytelling

Tourism boards increasingly recognize the value of film-inspired travel, and Filipiñana may encourage new campaigns that highlight cultural depth, local stories, and unique leisure environments across the archipelago.

Expanding Southeast Asia’s Cultural Footprint

Southeast Asia’s cinematic influence has grown steadily over the past decade. Filipiñana reinforces this momentum by demonstrating that the region’s stories are sophisticated, globally relevant, and aesthetically compelling. This has implications not only for cinema but also for intra-regional travel.

As audiences become more aware of the interconnected cultural landscapes of the Philippines, Singapore, and other partner nations involved in the film’s production, regional travel circuits may benefit from increased attention. Cultural festivals, independent cinemas, and creative hubs across Asia may become more prominent on travelers’ itineraries.

A Future Shaped by Storytelling

With its premiere scheduled between January 22 and February 1, 2026, Filipiñana enters a landscape marked by evolving cinematic expectations and a global appetite for diverse narratives. The film’s exploration of power, silence, and hidden histories resonates strongly with contemporary audiences who seek more than entertainment. They look for stories that challenge assumptions, complicate identities, and illuminate unfamiliar worlds.

In doing so, Filipiñana extends an invitation—not only to watch but to travel, to explore, and to encounter the Philippines through new cultural pathways.

As cinema and tourism continue to intertwine, this Philippine film’s debut at Sundance may represent more than a milestone for the region. It may signify the start of a broader movement where Filipino stories, landscapes, and cultural spaces occupy a more central role in the global imagination.

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Agoda Earns 2025 Great Place to Work Certification in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam: A Mark of Excellence in Employee Satisfaction

Agoda, the renowned digital travel platform, has achieved the prestigious 2025 Great Place to Work Certification for its offices in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This award reflects Agoda’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. The certification is awarded based on direct feedback from employees, highlighting Agoda’s success in fostering a high-trust work environment.

This recognition is significant because Great Place to Work Certification is not easily earned. It requires consistent dedication to improving employee satisfaction and creating a positive workplace. For Agoda, this certification represents a deep commitment to its people, aligning with the company’s mission to offer an empowering and innovative environment for its diverse workforce.

Agoda’s focus on employee satisfaction has been a key driver of its success. With offices spanning multiple countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Agoda thrives on its employees’ diverse perspectives. By creating a supportive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, Agoda allows its team to take ownership of their work and drive innovation on a global scale. This culture of growth and inclusion has led to a high level of employee satisfaction, reflected in the company’s outstanding performance.

The 2025 Great Place to Work Certification is not just a recognition but a celebration of the efforts made by Agoda to ensure a thriving and positive workplace. It stands as proof that Agoda’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and development is a driving force in the company’s ongoing success.

The Significance of Great Place to Work Certification

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture and employee experience. Its certification process is based entirely on the experiences reported by employees, providing a genuine and comprehensive evaluation of a company’s workplace environment. Companies that earn this certification are recognized for their exceptional leadership behaviors, market-leading revenue, employee retention, and innovative practices.

For Agoda, the certification represents a milestone achievement that highlights its commitment to maintaining a positive workplace culture. This certification reflects Agoda’s efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its diverse workforce, which spans over 7,000 employees from more than 90 nationalities.

Why Agoda’s Great Place to Work Certification is Important

Agoda’s commitment to employee satisfaction has earned it a prominent place among top global employers. With offices spread across various countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Agoda fosters an entrepreneurial, data-driven approach that empowers employees to innovate, take ownership, and experiment on a large scale.

For those seeking job opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment, Agoda stands out as a top choice. Here’s why:

• High Employee Retention: Employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work. Agoda’s efforts to foster a workplace that encourages professional growth and development contribute to its high employee satisfaction and retention.
• Fair Pay and Career Progression: Employees in certified workplaces are twice as likely to be paid fairly, ensuring that their compensation aligns with the company’s success and their contributions.
• Global Work Culture: Agoda’s offices in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam promote a diverse and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates varied perspectives and backgrounds. This helps to create a global network of professionals working toward a shared goal: bridging the world through travel.

Agoda’s Dedication to Innovation and Global Talent

With over 7,000 employees spanning various countries and cultures, Agoda offers a unique opportunity for professionals to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. By integrating diverse perspectives into its daily operations, Agoda is able to provide the best experiences for travelers worldwide.

In its 20th year of operations in 2025, Agoda continues to break barriers and redefine the travel industry, providing exceptional value and innovative services. Agoda’s employees are encouraged to explore new ideas and work together to solve challenges on a global scale. This empowers individuals to innovate, experiment, and make meaningful contributions to the company’s success.

Highlights of Agoda’s Great Place to Work Certification

• Diverse Workforce: Agoda employs people from over 90 nationalities, making it one of the most globally diverse companies in the travel tech space.
• Commitment to Innovation: Agoda’s work culture encourages employees to innovate and experiment, making it a hub for creativity and cutting-edge ideas in the travel industry.
• Inclusive Work Environment: The company’s commitment to an inclusive and entrepreneurial workplace creates an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference.
• Employee-Centric Policies: Agoda focuses on creating a high-trust environment, where employees have access to opportunities for growth and career progression.

What Employees Are Saying About Agoda’s Work Culture

Agoda’s workplace culture has been positively reviewed by employees across its offices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam, who appreciate the collaborative and supportive atmosphere. The Great Place to Work Certification is a direct reflection of the company’s dedication to fostering an environment where employees feel respected, supported, and motivated to succeed.

• Career Development: Agoda provides employees with access to growth opportunities that help them reach their full potential, both professionally and personally.
• Employee Recognition: The company emphasizes recognizing employees’ hard work and achievements, creating a sense of belonging and value.
• Work-Life Balance: Agoda understands the importance of work-life balance and supports its employees in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life.

The Power of Employee Feedback in Shaping Agoda’s Success

The Great Place to Work Certification process is based on employee feedback, and Agoda’s employees have spoken highly of the company’s work culture. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the company can continuously improve its workplace practices, creating an environment that employees truly enjoy.

What’s Next for Agoda?

With the Great Place to Work Certification secured, Agoda will continue to build on its employee-focused culture. The company plans to further enhance its workplace environment by incorporating new ideas and innovative practices to meet the evolving needs of its diverse workforce.

Agoda’s focus on providing exceptional experiences for its employees will help the company remain a global leader in the travel tech industry. By prioritizing the well-being and development of its employees, Agoda is positioning itself for even greater success in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Agoda’s offices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam have earned the prestigious Great Place to Work Certification.
• The certification reflects Agoda’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and innovative workplace culture for employees worldwide.
• Agoda’s workforce, which spans over 7,000 employees across 90 nationalities, is empowered to innovate and experiment in a collaborative environment.
• Employee feedback is at the heart of Agoda’s success, ensuring continuous improvement and workplace excellence.

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