The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed the latest recognition as being one of the “Rising Stars in Travel” by Forbes, the influential American business and financial news publication.
In a recently published article by travel writer Jared Ranahan, the Philippines was named among seven countries that “have the potential to become a major tourist destination in a post-COVID (coronavirus disease) world.”
Ranahan’s list also included Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia, and Tunisia.
In his article, Ranahan said the Philippines and the other countries mentioned, 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.”
“We are pleased to have received this bit of good news, especially after our industry had been hit hard by the global health pandemic.”
“We are pleased to have received this bit of good news, especially after our industry had been hit hard by the global health pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
“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,” Romulo-Puyat said.
In naming the qualities that can boost the Philippines’ standing in the international tourism market, the Forbes article recognized the variety of travel experiences that visitors can enjoy in the islands. “This massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists,” the article read as it introduced its portion on the Philippines.
“This massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists.”
The Forbes article also praised the exciting mainstream cultural scene of Metro Manila, and also put the spotlight on popular beach destinations, such as Palawan and Boracay.
To attract the environmentally conscious traveler, the article also praised the rich diversity of the country’s flora and fauna.
“With the public’s health and safety in mind, we are preparing our tourism sites in areas now under the modified general community quarantine for their gradual reopening for domestic tourism,” the tourism chief added.