Citations received by Philippine destinations from international groups would boost efforts to gradually reopen the country to tourists amid the pandemic that led to a worldwide travel slump, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Cebu and the Visayas Islands received the latest commendation for topping New York-based Cond茅 Nast Traveler鈥檚 (CNT) 2020 Readers鈥� Choice Awards of top island destinations of Asia.
鈥淭his latest citation from CNT gives us in the DOT a boost of confidence, as we continuously carry out our strategies to gradually reopen domestic tourism, to once again welcome travelers from other countries when things become better,鈥� Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.
鈥淭he Philippines is indeed blessed with the best of nature, as exhibited by the consecutive accolades we are receiving from reputable and prestigious publications for our islands and beaches,鈥� she said.
In its 33rd Readers鈥� Choice Awards, CNT invited 600,000 travelers to vote online for the 鈥渢op islands鈥� in six areas鈥擜sia, Australia and the South Pacific, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Africa and the Indian Ocean, Europe, and North America.
CNT lauded Cebu鈥檚 beaches, diving spots, and Spanish-Catholic colonial and cultural heritage attractions.Palawan, Siargao and Boracay placed fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the CNT lists. Cebu and the Visayas were lumped as one entry, but Boracay Island, which is in Western Visayas, was a separate entry. 鈥擱EPORTS FROM JEROME ANING AND ADOR VINCENT MAYOL