DECEMBER 8, 2020 Boracay Island’s picturesque beaches and waters continue to draw an increasing number of tourists despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jack Jarilla)
MANILA, Philippines — Boracay’s world-famous White Beach and El Nido, Palawan’s Nacpan Beach both made it to a travel website’s list of top beaches in Asia.
According to TravelAdvisor, Boracay’s White Beach ranked 12th while the Nacpan Beach bagged the 18th spot at the TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2021 for the top 25 beaches in the continent, a recognition welcomed by the Department of Tourism.
“The TripAdvisor recognition is all the more heartwarming as sun and beach have always been the country’s best tourism products. Boracay, well known for its White Beach and El Nido, Palawan, home of Nacpan Beach, are among the first destinations we opened up,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement Monday.
Agonda and Cavelossim Beaches of India bagged the top two spots for Asia this year, followed by Ngapali Beach of Myanmar.
The DOT noted that this year’s TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards factored in the number of times that users have “saved” the beaches on their accounts alongside the quality and quantity of reviews.
The travel survey also stressed other key implications from the travelers’ preferences amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which include outdoors and well-ventilated areas over confined spaces.
“Filipinos miss going to the beach. In fact, it is one of the top choices of outdoor activities now according to the recent Philippine travel survey,” Puyat said.
“And while we celebrate our beaches being named among the best in Asia, please be responsible tourists when traveling. Follow all the health and safety protocols for a safe and fun beach trip,” she added.