PH travel spots receive Forbes nod

June 13 ------ With its pristine white sand beaches and rich biodiversity, the Philippines was hailed in Forbes.com as one of the major potential tourist destinations in a post-COVID world. The Philippines was one of the seven country destinations cited by Forbes writer Jared Ranahan as among the “rising stars in travel” along with Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia, and Tunisia.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the recent international distinction, especially now that the tourism industry has suffered serious losses amid the ongoing global health crisis. “We are pleased to have received this bit of good news, especially after our industry had been hit hard by the global health pandemic. International recognition, especially by a well-respected publication like Forbes in this post-COVID-19 world will go a long way in helping the Philippine tourism industry get back on its feet,” tourism chief Berna Romulo-Puyat said.

In his article published May 31, Ranahan wrote that these countries all possess the qualities needed to become world-class destinations, as they have “pristine natural beauty, historic ruins, and fascinating cultural experiences can be encountered in abundance.” Ranahan said the country, as an archipelago comprising some 7,500 islands, has something to offer even to the most finicky of tourists. He wrote that the capital Metro Manila and Quezon City are two popular destinations ideal for “a deep immersion into Filipino culture.”

Those who seek the finest white sand beaches and endemic flora and fauna species, he wrote, can visit island destinations and world-renowned Boracay Island in the province of Aklan, as well as Palawan province. Last April, the editors of New-York based Travel+Leisure magazine also shared their must-go destinations after the COVID-19 crisis.

In a post, editorial producer Karen Chen said: “My friends and I originally had plans to visit the Philippines and Vietnam in May, but those plans, like so many others this year, have since been thwarted. I’ve traveled all over East Asia and Southeast Asia, but these two countries I’ve yet to check off my bucket list — and from what I hear, I’ve saved two of the best for last. “I can’t wait to get a chance to go back and spend some tourism dollars in this incredibly vibrant, culturally rich part of the world,” she added.

Meanwhile, Puyat said the DOT is now preparing the country’s tourism sites in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for the gradual reopening of domestic tourism. In the meantime, the tourism department has been posting video advertisements under its “Wake Up in the Philippines” campaign where it showcases the country’s most picturesque travel destinations.

Source: mb.com.ph