Body names PH as ‘world’s leading tourism destination’

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco / Division OF TOURISM

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco declared on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, that the Philippines had been named the World’s Foremost State Tourism Desired destination at the Uzakrota International Travel Awards 2022 by Turkish vacation business Uzakrota.

The Philippines obtained 721 votes, profitable by a big margin more than other nominated nations around the world.

Malaysia arrived in 2nd with 523 votes, even though the Dominican Republic was 3rd with 459 votes.

This is the next get for the Philippines in the Uzakrota World-wide Journey Awards, possessing very first clinched the exact recognition in 2020, Frasco said.

The hottest feat comes following the state also gained citations for its vacationer locations from a variety of journey organizations and United States-primarily based on the internet vacation guides.

“As the intercontinental accolades for the Philippines carries on to increase, so also the function of tourism as an engine of the Philippines’ financial development beneath the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose prioritization of tourism has introduced a lot optimism and hope for the field. These awards reflect the world wide traveling public’s vote of self confidence and enthusiasm for our country, and it translates to extra visitors going to our shores as evidenced by our in excess of two million arrivals as a result far,” Secretary Frasco stated in a statement.

Just after a two-calendar year split due to the coronavirus illness pandemic, the Philippines reopened its doors to international travellers on Feb. 10, 2022.

In accordance to the DOT, the Philippines also “picked up 13 recognitions in all types available at Scuba Diving’s 2023 Readers’ Option Awards by US-based mostly Scuba Diving Magazine, which include the leading honors for Shore Diving.”

The nation rated 2nd in Macro Daily life, Cavern / Cave and Grotto Diving, Newcomers, Images, and Greatest Worth classes third in Wreck Diving, Snorkeling and Well being of Marine Ecosystem fourth in Wall Diving and Highly developed fifth in Finest Over-all and ninth in the Massive Animals grouping for the Pacific and Indian Ocean cluster.

The Philippines was also recently named the World’s Top Dive Spot 2022 by the World Travel Awards.

Cebu, Frasco’s residence province, also took the 19th slot in the 50 Most effective Areas to Journey in 2023 by the US-based on-line journey guide Travel Lemming. Vacation Lemming described Cebu as “perfect for all types of tourists” and “allows you to indulge in each thrilling activities and waterfront rest.”

Another crucial tourism desired destination in the Philippines, Palawan, was cited by another US-dependent vacation manual Fodor as one particular of the 40 destinations on its Go Listing for 2023. Fodor called Palawan “the pretty definition of eco-luxury” and “one of the Philippines’ most magical islands the place underwater worlds meet lush jungles.”

For the Uzakrota Vacation Awards 2022, billed as the worldwide initiative to understand and reward excellence in travel and tourism, the voting took location from Oct. 3 to 28, with the awards offered on Nov. 29.

A whole of 201,967 votes were being registered globally and awards have been dispersed in 45 categories, like for World’s Primary Travel App (GetTransfer.com with 950 votes), World’s Main Travel Manufacturer (Emirates Airline with 886 votes) and World’s Leading Electronic Airline (Qatar Airways with 884 votes).

The World’s Primary Metropolis Tourism Place was Istanbul, Turkey (853 votes), adopted by Dubai, UAE (682) and London, United kingdom (515).

The World’s Main Conferences & Convention Desired destination was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (803 votes), adopted by Istanbul, Turkey (753), and London, United kingdom (507). (with PR)