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Home to world-renowned natural wonders like the Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the rice terraces in Banaue, and award-winning islands and beaches in Bohol, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan, the Philippines is replete with attractions that make it a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
With more than 7,100 islands that bear various other hidden gems, the Philippines has garnered global recognitions and accolades, including World’s Best Dive Destination, World’s Best Tourist Destination and Best Beach Destination.
And as people around the globe continue to quench their post-pandemic wanderlust, the Philippines is all set to reintroduce itself as the world-class tourist destination that one needs to visit in 2023.
A top bleisure destination
A key trend in the business meetings industry is the rise in demand for “bleisure” destinations, where participants of business events have access to various leisure activities. In the Philippines, key localities offer urban, beach, dive, adventure, retail and wellness experiences that address any vacation needs of individuals, friends or families alike. Explore cultural sites, vast retail opportunities, global culinary experiences and world-class entertainment as you explore Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Clark, Subic, Baguio and Bohol – convention destinations that offer venues to accommodate up to five to six thousand participants.
The Philippines has hosted some of the iconic global events including the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in April of 2022. The Philippines will also host the Worldchefs Asian Presidents Forum, Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition, and the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute Conference this 2023. Just announced this February, the Philippines also won the bid to host the Rotary International Convention in 2028.
Unexplored paradise
Aside from the popular beach and dive destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Batanes and Batangas, the Philippines has several other destinations that showcase virgin beaches and majestic coves perfect for adventurers and beach lovers alike. These include the islands of Romblon, Tawi-Tawi, Antique, and Siquijor. Beyond the country’s beach and dive destinations, the Philippines is home to majestic collection of waterfalls from Asik-asik Falls, Pagsanjan Falls, Maria Cristina Falls, Limusudan Falls, Tinago Falls and Dodiongan Falls.
Other adventure experiences in the Philippines include exploring the sand dunes and windmills of Ilocos, surfing across Baler, Siargao and La Union, and traversing one of the longest ziplines in Asia in Bukidnon. Several canyoneering adventure circuits have also opened up including the recently developed Badian trail in Cebu. With remote work being an open opportunity for millions of workers especially in the creative sector, the Philippines offers a variety of destinations that provide co-working spaces, work from hotel or resort facilities, and portable internet connectivity that ensure business continuity while enjoying the sceneries that the Philippines has to offer.
Diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity
Sustainability is also at the forefront of its tourism development. The strong public and private sector partnerships existing in the industry addresses utilization of local resources, protection of environmental resources, equitable socio-economic services, and support for the indigenous and local communities in tourism initiatives.
The Philippines stands as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The country is home to over a hundred religious denominations. While Filipino is the predominant spoken language, majority of the country’s population are bilingual, specifically with moderate to advanced fluency in English, Spanish, and/or Chinese.
No matter what adventure you’re looking for, there is an island for everyone.
Awards and recognitions:
-The 29th World Travel Awards 2022 recognized the Philippines as the World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destination; and Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction
-Conde Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards named Boracay as the top island in Asia, with Palawan ranking eighth. The Philippines also ranked 30th among the top countries in the world and 10th among the friendliest countries in the world.
-The 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022 named Palawan as the Most Desirable Island.
-The 31st TTG Travel Awards named the Philippines as the Destination of the Year.
-US-based travel magazine, Travel+Leisure hailed Boracay, Palawan and Cebu as the world’s best islands.
For more information, please visit: www.tpb.gov.ph