Philippines lands on Forbes' 'Rising Stars in Travel'

The Philippines landed on Forbes' list of "Rising Stars in Travel," one of seven countries cited to have potential to become major tourist destinations.

According to the article, countries are preparing for a "boom in international visitors" after the coronavirus pandemic has subsided, and that this could be an opportunity for other nations to "establish themselves as a prominent regional force for tourism."

The "highly underrated countries" in the list have all the ingredients to achieve this, it added — "pristine natural beauty, historic ruins, and fascinating cultural experiences."

"With roughly 7,500 islands to choose from, this massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists," travel writer Jared Ranahan said of the Philippines.

He recommended that those seeking sandy shores should head to Visayas, "where island destinations like Palawan and Boracay offer some of the nation's finest white sand beaches, as well as countless opportunities to spot some of the endemic plant and animal species of the Philippines."

Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia, and Tunisia are listed in the article as well.

The Department of Tourism meanwhile welcomed the international recognition. 

"We are pleased to have received this bit of good news, especially after our industry had been hit hard by the global health pandemic," said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat in a statement.

"International recognition, especially by a well-respected publication like Forbes, in this post-COVID-19 world will go a long way in helping the Philippine tourism industry get back on its feet," she added.

—JCB, GMA News