MANILA – The Philippines was voted anew as the “world’s best country tourism destination” in the 2022 Uzakrota Global Travel Awards.
The Philippines bested all other countries nominated, with 721 votes, bagging the award for the second time since it held the title in 2020. The new award cements its position as a top-of-the-mind travel spot even during a pandemic.
The Turkish travel organization Uzakrota Global, led the award initiative which also recognized Malaysia and the Dominican Republic as the world’s top two and three, with 523 and 459 votes, respectively.
Aside from the Uzakrota awards, the Philippines also picked up 13 other recognitions in all categories available at the Scuba Diving’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards by US-based Scuba Diving Magazine, including the top honors for Shore Diving.
“As the international accolades for the Philippines continues to grow, so too the role of tourism as an engine of the Philippines’ economic growth under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose prioritization of tourism has brought much optimism and hope for the industry,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Thursday.
“These awards reflect the global traveling public’s vote of confidence and enthusiasm for our country and it translates to more tourists visiting our shores as evidenced by our over two million arrivals thus far.”
The country ranked second in Macro Life, Cavern/Cave & Grotto Diving, Beginners, Photography, and Best Value categories; third in Wreck Diving, Snorkeling, and Health of Marine Environment; fourth in Wall Diving and Advanced; fifth in Best Overall; and ninth in the Big Animals grouping for the Pacific and Indian Ocean cluster.
The country was also previously named the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2022 by the World Travel Awards.
Meanwhile, Cebu had been listed among the 50 “best places to travel in 2023” by the US-based online travel guide Travel Lemming.
Travel Lemming described Cebu as “perfect for all types of tourists” and “allows you to indulge in both thrilling experiences and waterfront relaxation.”
Another key tourism destination in the Philippines, Palawan, was cited by another US-based travel guide Fodor as one of the 40 destinations on its Go List for 2023.
Fodor called Palawan “the very definition of eco-luxury” and “one of the Philippines’ most magical islands where underwater worlds meet lush jungles.”
Aside from the world-renowned Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay, the Philippines has a lot more destinations to offer for various types of travelers.
Samar, Biliran, and Leyte alone are home to plenty of mesmerizing waterfalls, caves, and rock formations, making them ideal stops for adventure-seeking tourists. Siquijor in Central Visayas, meanwhile, is perfect for those seeking a laidback vibe and a less crowded island destination.