Siargao, known as the Philippines' surfing capital, has landed in the "ten most charming islands to go on holiday this summer" list of fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue Paris.
Vogue Paris lifestyle editor Jade Simon described Siargao as a destination that "offers soaring one-on-one with wild nature, populated more guest houses with their feet in the sand rather than five-star palaces."
"Jacking Horse or Pacifico beaches are ideal for groping the waves. And for the less sporty, the natural pools allow you to splash in turquoise water," she added.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomed the inclusion of Siargao in the coveted magazine's list as the island has slowly become one of the most sought-after surfing destinations in the world.
"The inclusion of Siargao in the magazine’s list is a testament that the natural beauty of the Philippines remains enticing and top-of-mind among leisure travelers abroad, despite the restricted inbound travel for tourism due to the pandemic," Puyat said in a statement.
Siargao joined the ranks of some of the world's best islands identified by Vogue as summer getaways offering tourists tranquility and paradisiacal beaches such as Ponza island in Italy; Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands; Vis in Croatia; Sao Tome and Principe on the west African Coast; Isla Holbox in Mexico; Manshausen Island in Norway; Fourni island in Greece; Canggu in Bali, Indonesia; and Spain’s volcanic island Lanzarote.
The tourism chief is also optimistic that with more tourism workers getting vaccinated against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), inbound travel restrictions for foreign travelers—particularly those who are fully vaccinated—will soon be eased.
Siargao Island is currently open to local travelers, including those coming from the National Capital Region (NCR).
In the latest travel protocols and guidelines set by the local government unit, walk-in tourists coming to the island are required to submit a negative result on swab or saliva RT-PCR test, released within 48 hours upon arrival in the province; a valid identification card; and a confirmed booking of at least two nights from DOT-authorized accommodations.