Boracay, Palawan, And Cebu Named The World’s Best Islands

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure’s (T+L) inclusion of three island destinations in its list of “The 25 Best Islands in the World.”

Boracay Island with its postcard-perfect sunset scored ninth on the T+L World’s Best Island list, followed by Palawan with a picture of an exquisite lagoon in El Nido and Cebu with the Taoist Temple in Cebu City. According to Travel + Leisure, readers were invited to express their ideas on the best cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, and airlines. According to activities and attractions, natural attractions and beaches, cuisine, friendliness, and overall value, readers ranked islands.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “The Philippines is truly blessed with the unrivaled beauty of our natural resources coupled with the warmth and endless talent of the Filipino people, as evidenced by Travel + Leisure’s inclusion of Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay on their prestigious list.”

Along with Phuket, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, and The Maldives, Boracay and Palawan topped T+L’s list of the 5 Best Islands in Asia. “Travel + Leisure readers fondly recalled vacations to Asia’s finest islands prior to the implementation of COVID. “Now that the region is reopening, they must be keen to return to these five ports of call, including the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines,” T + L reported.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all tourism stakeholders from the public and private sector, the national and local government units, the efforts of the previous administration included, and all the hardworking employees and officials of the Department across the country for forging ahead despite the challenges of the pandemic and contributing in their own ways so that our country can earn the title of one of the world’s most beautiful. Frasco noted that a country’s natural beauty can genuinely shine when its citizens are unified in promoting its finest features.

Philippines is one of the world’s 40 most beautiful countries

Condé Nast Traveler simultaneously ranked the Philippines among the world’s 40 most beautiful nations (CNT).

In addition to Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States, other countries appear on the list.

Manila is among the world’s leading cities

Similarly, TimeOut.com recognized Manila as one of the best cities in the world. The ranking is the result of a global poll of city people. The decision was based on various criteria, including walkability, good public transportation, safety, and sustainability, in addition to a vibrant nightlife, delicious food and drink, and rich art and culture. It should be emphasized, however, that Manila typically refers to Metro Manila or the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

Secretary Frasco enthused, “May this global recognition of the beauty of our natural resources inspire our efforts to elevate the Philippines’ standing in the tourism industry by introducing tourism infrastructure development and improvements that will enhance connectivity and ease of access to our destinations.”