Not that we’re surprised, but the Philippines is—once again—Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination at the 28th World Travel Awards!
As a country surrounded by three prominent bodies of water, it really comes as no shock that the Philippines is home to some of the best pristine beaches and picturesque diving destinations globally. Not just that, the Department of Tourism, the locals and other government agencies play an essential role in keeping our tourist destinations as clean and as attractive as ever.
This is the Philippines’ fifth time to win Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and the third time in a row since 2019 to win Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award.
“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. We share this recognition with our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and all Filipinos who have been helping us promote our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
The World Travel Awards aims to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all global travel and tourism industry sectors.
“This will boost our efforts to keep the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination for foreign tourists as we await the resumption of international leisure travel to the country, consistent with our “More Fun Awaits” global campaign,” Berna adds.
Some of the country’s top beach destinations, such as Boracay in Aklan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and El Nido and Amanpulo in Palawan, have already opened to domestic tourists and are ready to welcome foreign tourists once international borders reopen.
Moreover, the Tourism department has developed many of the country’s beach destinations and new and existing dive circuits and is constantly identifying potential destinations that may be developed for dive tourism.
In case you’re wondering. Here are the top diving and beach spots in the country that have proven to be tourists and locals’ favorite.
Panglao Island, located in Bohol Sea in Central Visayas, is a famous tourist destination known for its white sand beaches and world-class diving sites. /Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Siargao Island, a popular surfing destination, is home to unspoiled white sand beaches. /Photo by Beautiful Destinations, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan Island. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines for its absolutely stunning islands and beaches. /Photo by Erwin Lim, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Tubbataha Reef is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, abundant marine life, and breathtaking drop-offs into the open ocean. /Photo by Robert Yin.
Anilao in Batangas has some of the best scuba diving for underwater photography in the world, particularly for rare underwater critters and new species of fish. /Photo by Evelyn Go, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Sombrero Reef in Batangas is a diving site where gorgonians, black coral, shells, rays, grunts, jacks, snappers, and a great variety of soft corals are scattered all over the place. /Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Editor’s Note: For a fun, safe trip, always check entry requirements in your chosen local destinations before your travels. For more information, visit www.tourism.gov.ph.
Have you been to any of these destinations? Let us know your favorite spot in the comments section below!
