DOT Welcomes PH ‘Rising Stars in Travel’ Citation by forbes.com

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed the latest tourism-related distinction received by the country, having been recently named as one of the “Rising Stars in Travel” by Forbes.com, the website of the American business and financial news publication.

In a recently published article by travel writer Jared Ranahan, the Philippines was named among seven countries that “have the potential to become major tourist destinations in a post-Covid world.”

Ranahan’s list also included Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia, and Tunisia.

Prefacing his article, Ranahan said these countries all 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.”

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

“International recognition, especially by a well-respected 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 said.

In naming the qualities that can boost the Philippines’ standing in the international tourism market, the article recognized the variety of travel experiences that visitors can enjoy across our islands, “this massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists,” began the portion on the Philippines.

It praised the exciting mainstream cultural scene of Metro Manila, and also put the spotlight on popular beach destinations, such as Palawan and Boracay.

To entice environmentally conscious travelers, the article also praised the rich diversity of the country’s flora and fauna.

“With the public’s health and safety in mind, we are preparing our tourism sites in areas now under the modified general community quarantine for their gradual reopening for domestic tourism,” Puyat added. (PR)