EDITORIAL - World-class

While the country’s airports continue to be panned by travelers, high-end magazines are heaping praise on Philippine travel destinations. Recently, Travel + Leisure Magazine picked Boracay as the world’s best island getaway in its 2012 awards. Discovery Shores, also in Boracay, was chosen as the best hotel spa in Asia and the second best hotel resort in the world.

The latest accolade came from Vogue magazine, bible of the world of high fashion. In its UK edition to be released next month, Vogue picked Ariara Island in the Calamian group in Palawan as the Number One travel destination. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said another UK-based publication, Times Magazine, also picked Ariara as the “Best Private Island Resort.” Jimenez said the island also received good reviews from other British publications. The recognition comes on the heels of the selection of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Palawan and Boracay have long been popular travel destinations for Filipinos, and the recent international accolades validate the locals’ preferences. Tourism officials and industry players can study how the sites attracted international attention. There are many other destinations around the country that are popular among Filipinos, from the traditional ones such as the Ifugao Rice Terraces to emerging tourist spots such as Mt. Kitanglad in Mindanao. Communities in these areas will benefit from tourism, particularly the type that promotes environmental protection.

So far the sites that have attracted international recognition are geared toward the high-end market and developed by the private sector. The government can do its part by improving tourism infrastructure in other destinations. The recent honors for Philippine destinations show that the country has world-class sites. More Philippine destinations can be added to the list.