DOT welcomes Phl inclusion in Forbes’ Rising Stars in Travel

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the recent inclusion of the Philippines in Forbes.com’s Rising Stars in Travel, saying international recognition will help the country’s tourism industry get back on its feet.

According to Forbes, the Philippines was recently cited among countries that have potential to become a major tourist destination in a post-COVID-19 world due to its many offerings to tourists.

“We are pleased to have received this bit of good news, especially after our industry had been hit hard by the global health pandemic,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“International recognition, especially by a wellrespected 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,” she added.

With the Philippines in the list are Ethiopia, Iran,

Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia and Tunisia.

Forbes contributor Jared Ranahan said these countries 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.”

“With roughly 7,500 islands to choose from, this massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists,” Ranahan said, referring to the Philippines.

Ranahan cited Manila and Quezon City as two popular destinations for a deep immersion into mainstream Filipino culture.

“Those planning to lounge on the sandy shores should head to the Visayas, the country’s central archipelago, where island destinations like Palawan and Boracay offer some of the nation’s finest white sand beaches, as well as countless opportunities to spot some of the endemic plant and animal species of the Philippines,” Ranahan said.