MANILA — The Philippines is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and friendly locals.
It has consistently won the World Tourism Awards for the Leading Beach Destination in Asia for the past six years.
People come from all over the world for activities like surfing in Siargao and La Union or exploring the marine life in Tubbataha.
The tourism industry in the country is expanding beyond traditional beach activities. Wellness and eco-travel are gaining popularity, with trends like camping, mountaineering, and immersive wellness retreats.
Motorcycle tourism is also on the rise, with the Tourism Promotions Board promoting city exploration and coastal road trips on two wheels.
Manila, the capital city, is not just a stopover but a destination in itself, offering a vibrant and cosmopolitan experience with creative restaurants, speakeasies, coffee shops, artisans, and galleries.
Other cities like Cebu and Cagayan de Oro also contribute to the country’s diverse attractions.
The Philippines is actively working to revive its tourism industry post-COVID-19, aiming to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco is leading these efforts, and the country has already seen over 1.3 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2023, with a target of reaching five million by the end of the year.
AT A GLANCE…
Here is the complete list of Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023:
Best Beach, Island + Upcountry Hotels in the Philippines
1. Banwa Private Island
2. Amanpulo
3. Shangri-La Boracay
4. The Farm at San Benito
5. El Nido Resorts Lagen Island
6. El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
7. Inara Siargao
8. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu
9. The Lind Boracay
10. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Best City Hotels in the Philippines
1. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
2. Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
3. Hilton Manila
4. Grand Hyatt Manila
5. Raffles Makati
6. Conrad Manila
7. Fairmont Makati
8. Dusit Thani Manila
9. Okada Manila
10. Solaire
Best Hotel Pools in the Philippines
1. Shangri-La Boracay
2. Edsa Shangri-La, Manila
3. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
4. Rizal Park Hotel
5. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
6. Dusit Thani Manila
7. Henann Regency Resort & Spa
8. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
9. Vivere Hotel and Resorts
10. The Peninsula Manila
Best Hotel Spas in the Philippines
1. The Farm at San Benito
2. Shangri-La Boracay
3. Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
4. Amanpulo
5. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Best Hotel General Managers in the Philippines
1. Preet Singh, The Farm at San Benito
2. Olivier Larcher, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
3. Elke De Sullan, Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
4. Fabio Berto, Conrad Manila
5. Ana Vergara , Sheraton Manila Hotel
Source: STEPHANIE ZUBIRI / Travel and Leisure Asia | Global Awards
(Filed by JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)