IN PHOTOS: Travel awards won by the Philippines in 2020
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It is an unprecedented year filled with uncertainties and loss.
On a positive note, the Philippines had won numerous travel and tourism awards from various international bodies.
In hindsight, winning such accolades at a time when the tourism industry is practically grounded sounds odd and sad.
The pandemic has crippled the entire travel and tourism sector leading to company and airport shutdowns, mass layoffs, and loss of livelihood to many people who rely on the industry for their daily needs.
What's worse is that industry players project that it would take quite some time for the tourism industry to get back on its feet with the coronavirus threat still very much around us.
On the flip side, these recognitions are something that the country could build on as the world recovers from the effects of COVID-19.
“The Philippines is indeed blessed with the best of nature, as exhibited by the consecutive accolades we are receiving from reputable and prestigious publications for our islands and beaches,” said Department of Tourism secretary, Bernadette Romulo Puyat.
These awards, according to Puyat, give the agency “a boost of confidence” as they “continuously carry out our strategies to gradually reopen domestic tourism, to once again welcome travelers from other countries when things become better.”
Recently, we've seen more places in the country gradually opening their borders to welcome local tourists.
Many local government units have also bared their tourism plans and strategies heading into next year.
All these are positive steps to help the country's tourism sector regain lost ground.
Without further ado, here are the travel recognitions the country had won for this year.
