The Philippines ranked 20th in its list of Top Countries in the World
Siargao, the teardrop-shaped island of the Philippines, continues to dominate international tourism polls as it is named as one of the top islands in the world and best in Asia by the Condé Nast Traveller's (CNT) Readers' Choice Awards 2021.
Not only was it praised for its “pristine white beaches, coconut woodlands, and emerald mangrove forest,” the CNT also described it as “a shining example of sustainable tourism” for its cool, independent new hotels and businesses.
"At a time when we are exhausting all means to revive tourism in the country, we are grateful for this new recognition from Condé Nast Traveler,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “We have worked to strengthen our position as a top-of-mind destination around the globe while ensuring that health and safety protocols across our destinations are implemented and observed."
Joining Siargao in the list of best islands in the world are Hvar, Croatia (Europe); St Barth's (the Caribbean and the Atlantic); Bora Bora, French Polynesia (Australia and the South Pacific); Bazaruto Archipelago (Africa and the Indian Ocean); Islas Secas, Panama (Central and South America); and Cape Breton Island, Canada (North America).
Other local tourist attractions Palawan and Boracay Island also made it to the list of best islands in Asia, taking up the third and eighth spots, respectively. Overall, the Philippines garnered a 91.63 score, earning it the 20th spot in the CNT’s list of Top Countries in the World.