Siargao listed in Time magazine’s “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021”

Siargao Island was listed in Time magazine’s “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021,” a tribute to individuals and businesses who were able to “adapt, build, and innovate” amid the challenges of the pandemic that highlights “ingenuity, creativity, revitalization, and reopenings in destinations across the world.”

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat praised Siargao as a recognition of the country’s continued efforts in making the country a safe destination for travel.

“I am pleased that the country’s innate beauty continues to draw attention from travelers all over the world despite the pandemic. We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travelers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey,” said Romulo-Puyat.

Siargao earned its spot on Time magazine’s list not only because of its world-renowned surf but also because of its ongoing development to strengthen tourism infrastructure.

“While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop-­shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent wave,” said Duncan Forgan, Time magazine writer.

“But the secret is out, and new spots are popping up on the island, including the beachfront Inara Siargao Resort, an intimate five-suite property that can be booked on Instagram. Just before COVID-19 shutdowns, Siargao got additional cell towers to improve data connectivity, which will be a boon to tourism when it reopens to vaccinated international travelers,” he added.

The list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors and focuses on places that provide unique and interesting experiences.

Note, the DOT has stated that Siargao is now open to domestic tourists coming from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ.

Guess it’s time to go book those tickets and celebrate? (On behalf of Siargao, of course!)

SOURCE: PNA