Citation reflects acceptance of PH reforms

MANILA -- The recent naming of Boracay and El Nido as Asia’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travelers’ Choice Award reflects acceptance on the country’s reforms and new policies to attain sustainable tourism, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Sunday.

“We take it that this TripAdvisor citation of Boracay and El Nido is indicative of the positive reactions to the reforms and new policies being implemented in an effort to inculcate a culture of sustainable tourism. This bodes well with our campaign of highlighting the people’s genuine testaments and reactions to our destinations,” Romulo-Puyat said.

Boracay’s White Beach, described as the island’s most popular beach, was ranked 9th among the beaches in Asia while El Nido, Palawan’s Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas Beach were voted as the 13th and 22nd best.

The TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards ranks beaches, destinations, attractions, among others, based on millions of traveler reviews and opinions.

Boracay’s White Beach received over six thousand reviews with 62 percent excellent rave reviews and 24 percent very good rating, with most of the comments acknowledging the successful rehabilitation of the island.

“Boracay still has it! After the six months rehab the Boracay White Beach is cleaner and clear. It has maintained its popularity among tourists and locals.

It’s really lovely during sunsets. The burst of colors is awesome. I saw garbage bins which were absent before,” shared TripAdvisor reviewer mariasusnaf2018.

“The best beach in the world. Experience the new, renovated and clean White Beach of Boracay. It is excellent for watersports and I can swim here the whole day. Be careful with the sun and always use your sunblock with high factor. Food are excellent everywhere you go,” commented jguzon from Oslo, Norway.

Yapak Beach, the second largest beach in Boracay and is named after the prevalent white puka seashells, was also listed at 25th.

As of February 27, a total of 320 accommodation establishments in Boracay accounting to 11,662 rooms have been declared DOTaccredited.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force is excited for the completion of the island’s rehabilitation; the second phase on April and the third on December this year. It will further promote the better Boracay and see #MoreFunForever,” Romulo-Puyat added.

The DOT, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has identified El Nido as among the destinations up for rehabilitation.

Last year, the agencies mapped out the rehabilitation plan of El Nido.