THE Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Tuesday, October 19, 2021, that the Philippines has once again been named Asia's leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
“We are elated that the country’s pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots have once again been cited as the best in Asia by the prestigious 2021 World Travel Awards,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat of the country’s recognition at the 28th World Travel Awards.
This is the Philippines’ fifth time to win Asia's Leading Beach Destination, and it is the third time in a row since 2019 for the country to bag the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award, the DOT said.
The Philippines is still in the running for the following World categories of the 28th World Travel Awards:
- World’s Leading Beach Destination 2021: Philippines
- World’s Leading Dive Destination 2021: Philippines
- World’s Leading Island Destination 2021: Siargao, Philippines
- World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2021: Intramuros, Philippines
- World’s Leading Tourist Board 2021: Philippines, Department of Tourism
Voting runs until midnight of October 25, 2021 via https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.
Puyat hailed the good news as the country awaits the resumption of international leisure travel when international borders reopen.
Some of the country’s beach destinations like Boracay in Aklan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and El Nido and Amanpulo in Palawan, have already opened to domestic tourists.
DOT is currently also developing and identifying destinations that may be developed for dive tourism.
At present, the country’s top diving spots include the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, Anilao in Batangas, Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu, Balicasag, Panglao and Anda in Bohol, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.
The DOT said about 65.53 percent of tourism workers in the country have received their Covid-19 jabs as of October 16. (CTL with PR)