Boasting of pristine waters and world-class accommodations,
the island of Boracay has proven to be a top tourist-drawer after being voted as
the best leisure destination in Asia, based on the online survey of
international magazine Travel Weekly.
In its latest survey titled "Attractions that rock Asia",
TravelWeekly hailed the island of Boracay as the best destination (leisure),
topping the island paradise of Bali in Indonesia and Sanya, China.
Some 2.2 million-travel enthusiasts participated in the
online poll.
"The island of Boracay plays a significant role in the
country's tourism efforts. It continues to attract tourists because of its
unrivalled beauty. The government is intensifying efforts to protect and
preserve the natural charm of the island," said Ace Durano, secretary of the
Department of Tourism (DOT).
The tourism chief believes that Boracay continues to be the
destination of choice by tourists, not only because of its natural assets but
also because of the quality service provided by the tourist establishments
there.
"In promoting a destination, the natural beauty of the site
is not the only consideration. We also have to give top-notch service to make
the stay of our guests both pleasurable and memorable so they will keep coming
back," he added.
Durano also emphasized that the availability of the necessary
infrastructure and transportation is a major consideration for tourists.
"There are several trips to Boracay on a daily basis so the
island is very accessible to both local and international guests," he stressed.
Boracay is the only Philippine destination nominated in the
latest Travel Weekly survey.
Aside from the best leisure category, the Singapore-based
magazine also conducted polls for Best Business and Meetings Incentives and
Conventions and Exhibits (MICE) Destination, Best Cultural and Heritage
Destination, and Best Eco-Tourism Destination.
Travel Weekly also conducted online surveys to determine the
Best Medical/Wellness Destination and Best Theme Park sites in Asia.
Boracay is the country's most visited destination, with some
700,000 tourists expected in 2008. Total visitor arrivals in the island are
expected to balloon to one million by the year 2010.
The DOT meantime expects tourist arrivals to hit 3.5 million this year after
breaching the three million mark in 2007.
