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CEBU’s recognition as the “Best Island in Asia” came at an opportune moment as those interested in tourism work doubly hard to entice local travelers to re-experience Cebu’s wealth of tourist attractions.
Condé Nast’s “Best Islands in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards 2020” declared Cebu the best island in Asia beating other favorites like Phuket, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. Three other Philippine islands made the top 10 list: Boracay (sixth), Siargao (fifth) and Palawan (fourth).
“We are not surprised. The credit goes to the Cebuano and Visayan workers. Last month, Marine Diving Tokyo 2020 also proclaimed Cebu, Bohol, and other locations in central Visayas as the best diving spots in the world. These and more accolades serve as inspiration as we work closely with our local government units, government officials, national agencies, stakeholders, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises toward reinvention and recovery, ”said Shahlimar Tamano, Director of the Department of Tourism 7, to SunStar Cebu.
Cebu and Visayas obtained a score of 95.83 from the surveyed travelers, followed by Sri Lanka (95.45), Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand (95.30), Palawan (95.22), Siargao (95.19), Boracay (95.06), Lombok, Indonesia (94.59), Phuket. , Thailand (94.12), Bali, Indonesia (93.27) and Koh Samui, Thailand (92.73).
Travelers described Cebu as a tourist cajon with nearly two million tourists a year traveling to its pristine beaches and diving spots on Cebu’s north shore.
Condé Nast highlighted Cebu’s rich history and culture by citing the province’s strong Spanish and Catholic influences. He also mentioned the Basilica Minore del So. Niño which houses a small statue of Christ that was presented by Fernando de Magellan.
Cebu’s natural attractions, such as Kawasan Falls in the south, impressed foreign visitors.
“Kawasan Falls, a swimming hole and a series of three waterfalls near the southwest coast of Cebu, is popular with locals and tourists alike. Really popular – avoid visiting on weekends and walk past the first of the falls to find a quieter spot, ”said the travel magazine.
Strong, attractive brand
The president of the Cebu Tourism Operations Specialists Alliance, Alice Queblatin, said the recognition reinforced Cebu’s strong appeal to tourists.
“This recognition reinforces, time and again, the appeal and brand promise of Cebu as a premier tourism destination. He says that what tourists are looking for, Cebu has it: a good combination of urban amenities, culture and enthusiasm for adventure activities on the island, ”he said.
Queblatin said the positive perception of Cebu should inspire and aid tourism recovery efforts.
“But it poses a challenge to do more, not just to sustain, but to exceed tourist expectations. While it is not an easy task in these difficult times, focused collaboration from everyone could be the answer, ”he said.
Cebu Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association President Carlo Suarez also welcomed the recognition and said it will keep Cebu at the top of the minds of regional and international leisure travelers, as well as planners. meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
“Despite a challenging 2020 due to Covid-19, the hospitality industry is firmly promoting our island as one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. Because Cebu has one of the most welcoming and efficient airports in the country, this great advantage gives us a point of differentiation by providing tourists with an easy starting place, whether it is to explore the north to south of Cebu or visit other sites. near the Visayas, ”said Suárez. .
According to Tamano, global accolades are huge marketing drives.
He said it came at the right time when Cebu province is gradually reopening all its attractions to local guests.
DOT 7 is currently documenting farms and outdoor lodging places to make sure they are ready to be promoted under the new standard.
6,000 voters
Around the same month last year, Cebu was hailed as the second best island in Asia. The island of Boracay ranked first, while Palawan ranked fourth.
Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the 35 best islands in the world outside the US in this year’s survey.
Writer Caitlin Morton said that for her 33rd annual poll, a record 600,000 registered voters participated.
This year, however, Condé Nast has broken the best list by region: the best in Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Europe, North America and the best in the rest of the world. (with KOC)
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