TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel destination planning platform, has recognized several hotels in the Philippines with its Travelers' Choice Award this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) bared in a statement Monday, May 24.
The DOT said that the Manor at Camp John Hay, Baguio City was one of the local hotels that bagged the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award and was recognized as among the top 1 percent of all hotel listings worldwide.
Other local hotel awardees include dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, Waterfront Cebu, Midori Clark Hotel, and Quest Plus Conference Center Clark.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat lauded these accommodation establishments for their continuous service to travelers amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The past year has been very challenging for all our hotels nationwide. Despite the difficulties, our local hotels remained true to their mission of providing exemplary Filipino hospitality to our guests," Puyat said.
"This global recognition is a testament to the success of the steps we are taking to lessen the long-term impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry and drive its recovery," she added.
Ever since the pandemic hit the country last year, the local hospitality industry has prioritized the health and safety of guests, while employees worked double-time to adapt to the many challenges brought by COVID-19.
The highly-coveted Travelers' Choice Award honors hospitality properties worldwide that have delighted visitors more than any other in the previous year, despite changing consumer preferences and new ways of working.
It also recognizes the exceptional service experienced by the visitors amid the pandemic, based on feedback from guests the previous year.
Last March, Boracay's world-famous White Beach and El Nido's Nacpan Beach ranked 12th and 18th, respectively, on the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2021 Best of the Best Awards-Top 25 Beaches in Asia.