The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates Siargao’s entry into Time magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021.” Siargao earned its spot on the list not only because of its consistent waves, but also because of its ongoing development to strengthen tourism infrastructure on the island.
“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 waves,” wrote Time Magazine writer Duncan Forgan.
“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.”
According to the publication, the list is a tribute to individuals and businesses who were able to “adapt, build, and innovate” amid the challenges of the pandemic. It also highlights “ingenuity, creativity, revitalization, and reopenings in destinations across the world.”
The list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on those that provide unique and interesting experiences.
“I am pleased that the country’s innate beauty continues to draw attention from travelers all over the world despite the pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
“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.”
Siargao is now open to domestic tourists coming from general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ) areas with health and safety protocols, which can be found at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or their official Facebook page “Surigao Del Norte Tourism and Culture Office.”
Through the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Tourism urges domestic travelers to take advantage of the 50%-discounted RT-PCR test to make domestic travel more affordable.
In cooperation with the University of the Philippines-Philippines General Hospital and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the initiative reduces the cost of the test to P900 and P750, respectively. To apply, visit https://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/. (DOT) – jlo
