‘Boracay is Malaysia’s 2015 Beach Destination’

(PNA) — Boracay, world-famous for its azure waters and powdery white sand, has been declared a favorite beach destination for 2015 by Malaysia’s Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur said.

The announcement was made in a press conference held on March 9 at the travel union’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, with MATTA organizing committee chairman S. Jayakumar, saying that the Philippines is rich in natural resources and biodiversity while praising Boracay’s fine white sand beaches.

“Boracay has consistently been part of the list of the best beaches in the world, as evidenced by awards bestowed on it by major travel magazines and organizations,” Philippine Ambassador Eduardo Malaya said in a statement from Kuala Lumpur.

“It is our pleasure for Malaysians to discover the island, with its pristine white sands and breathtaking beaches, which captivated many visitors for nature tripping, watersports and beach hopping,” he said.

Malaya thanked Malaysians for discovering more of the Philippines, as its Southeast Asian neighbor posted the highest growth in tourist arrivals at 27.24 percent increase with 139,245 arrivals in 2014, becoming the Philippines’ ninth largest tourist market.

In the same press conference, the embassy also formally launched the 2nd Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines for travel operators, to Cebu and Bohol.

Malaya said now is the best time to visit the Philippines, amidst the country’s hosting of major international conference, and its strong economic growth.

“For one, the Philippine government has declared this year as Visit Philippines Year 2015. The flurry of festivals, concerts, conferences, other activities and events lined up will draw in both domestic and foreign tourists in the country,” he said.

The country is also hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, where its member economies which includes the United States, Japan, China and Australia, among others, will congregate in different Philippine cities.

“Cebu and Bohol are increasingly becoming major Philippine tourist destinations. It is an opportunity for our Malaysian friends to see other parts of the country,” Malaya said. (PNA) RMA/MDC/EDS