MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines extended its “heartfelt gratitude” to travellers worldwide for their continued support, after Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards cited the country as having four of the top 10 islands in Asia, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
According to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the patronage of international visitors has played a crucial role in positioning the Philippines as a premier island destination.
The country is the only one in ASEAN to have “the most number of islands in the top 10, cementing its position as Asia’s leading island destination, as also previously highlighted by the World Travel Awards (WTA), the DOT stated.
"We are immensely grateful to the global travellers who have chosen the Philippines and continue to explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of our islands. Your support fuels our growing reputation as a leading destination in Asia," said Secretary Frasco.
"These accolades reflect not only the unparalleled beauty of our islands but also the rich, diverse experiences they offer, from our confluence of cultural influences to our world-class culinary heritage," she added.
Condé Nast Traveler, a renowned luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, named Boracay, Palawan, Cebu & the Visayan Islands, and Siargao among Asia’s top islands. Boracay ranked third with a score of 91.94, placing it ninth globally. Palawan, Cebu & the Visayan Islands, and Siargao followed, securing sixth, eighth, and tenth places, respectively, DOT mentioned in a news release.
Meanwhile, Secretary Frasco urged travellers to practice “responsible tourism” to help preserve the beauty and integrity of these destinations.
"We invite all travellers to join us in safeguarding these islands through responsible tourism practices, from reducing waste to respecting our ecosystems. By doing so, we can ensure that these pristine destinations remain protected for future generations to enjoy," Frasco emphasized.
The DOT further stated that it continues to work with its regional offices, local government units, and tourism stakeholders to further promote sustainable tourism initiatives that elevate the visitor experience while preserving the unique characteristics of each destination.
“We are honoured by the global recognition and committed to preserving the natural and cultural treasures of our islands. Together, we can continue to inspire, enrich, and uplift travellers and our communities, securing a sustainable future for Philippine tourism,” Secretary Frasco concluded.
