BORACAY – Three Philippine islands have landed spots in the annual Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) readers’ choice awards for top islands to visit this 2021.
Out of the 85 destinations listed, the surfing haven Siargao Island was recognized as this year’s top favorite in Asia, while the world-famous Palawan and Boracay Island earned the third and eighth spots, respectively.
The three bested other world favorites in Asia like Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands (second), Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands (ninth), and Phuket (10th).
“At a time when we are exhausting all means to revive tourism in the country, we are grateful for this new recognition from Condé Nast Traveler. We have worked to strengthen our position as a top-of-mind destination around the globe while ensuring that health and safety protocols across our destinations are implemented and observed,” said Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
Just recently, the House of Representatives approved on final reading a measure creating the Boracay Island Development Authority (BIDA) to promote and accelerate the sustainable development of the island.
BIDA shall manage, develop, operate, preserve, and rehabilitate the Boracay Island Development Zone, which shall include the entirety of Boracay Island and surrounding islets including Barangay Caticlan.
The development zone shall be transformed into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, leisure, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities and attract and promote productive local and foreign investments, while strictly prioritizing the protection and preservation of the natural resources and biodiversity of Boracay Island.
Puyat said the Condé Nast recognition bodes well for the recovery of the country’s tourism industry and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) latest global campaign “More Fun Awaits”, which showcases the Philippines’ preparations for international leisure travel once pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 20th in the CNT’s list of Top Countries in the World with a score of 91.63.
The annual CNT Readers’ Choice Awards gathers feedback from over 800,000 readers across the globe based on their recent travel experiences in the world’s top hotels, resorts, cities, countries, islands, spas, trains, car rentals, luggage, airlines, airports, and cruises. (PNA)
