With its pristine white sand beaches and rich biodiversity,
the Philippines was recently named by Forbes. com as one of seven countries
that “have the potential to become major tourist destinations in a post-COVID
world.”
Forbes contributor Jared Ranahan listed the Philippines as
one of the potential major travel destinations in a post-COVID world. (Photo
by: Hanah Tabios/MANILA BULLETIN)
The six other countries cited by Forbes’ Ranahan as among
the “rising stars in travel” are Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia,
and Tunisia.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the recent
international distinction, at a time when the tourism industry has suffered
serious losses as a result of the 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 the
seven 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, 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 NewYork 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.
Puyat said 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.
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. -
