Boracay, El Nido and Davao popular among WTTC delegates

MANILA – Sun and beach destinations Boracay Island, Davao, and El Nido in Palawan top the destinations picked recently by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit delegates, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

The DOT said dedicated tours in Davao and El Nido have been fully booked, followed by Ilocos region with only two slots left, and Boracay.

“The DOT is honored to have our esteemed delegates visit our top destinations for the post- tours component of the WTTC 2022 Global Summit. Aside from the usual sun and beach/holiday portfolio, we’ve also integrated fun experiences involving food and gastronomy, and wellness to make the trips more memorable for the guests,” it said in a statement.

It added: “These carefully curated post-tours will allow our guests to experience firsthand the Filipino brand of hospitality in the new normal, as well as see how our health and safety

protocols have protected tourists, workers, and communities in our destinations. We want to get the word out that tourism in the Philippines is safe and fun for all.”

Travel in Boracay has been picking up from the pandemic slump since local travel restrictions

had been relaxed in the country.

In the recent Holy Week, it posted the highest visitor arrival since the global health crisis began, even surpassing the 19,000 carrying capacity on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

In an earlier statement, Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the government would defer to thirdparty experts to study the possibility of increasing Boracay’s carrying capacity, but even if they allow an increase, health and safety would remain a priority.

A p a r t f r o m t h e f o u r destinations, DOT has several tourism activities for WTTC delegates lined up, including the Quezon Culinary Experience; Rizal eco and art tour; Bataan culture and heritage tour; investment tour in Clark, Pampanga, and Tarlac; and the Southern Tagalog tour. (PNA)