EDITORIAL - Best in the world

In yet another recognition of the beauty of our archipelago, the main beach on Boracay island has been rated one of the 10 best beaches in the world. Boracay’s white beach has been ranked seventh worldwide in popular travel website TripAdvisor’s annual Traveler’s Choice awards for 2015. With its powdery white sand and calm, warm waters, Boracay was also cited as possibly “the most beautiful beach in Asia.”  

It’s not the first time that Boracay has been cited as one of the best beach destinations in the world. The numerous recognitions pose two challenges for the country. One is to sustain and enhance the natural allure that earned Boracay all the plaudits. Another is to develop similar destinations elsewhere in the country to a level that will draw tourists and earn the sites similar praise from around the world.

Even the best travel destinations can be ruined by overdevelopment, poor maintenance and security problems. Clean surroundings, proper sanitation and a sense of personal safety add to the appeal of the world’s top travel destinations. Boracay can still benefit from improvements particularly in infrastructure: a larger, modern airport with efficient personnel who do not harass visitors, improved land transportation facilities, and an easily accessible modern health care center. Fresh water sources must be kept clean. A cruise port can be developed on a nearby island.

The country has numerous other island attractions whose tourism appeal can be boosted with marketing support. Whale shark haunts in Albay, Bohol, Cebu, La Union and Pangasinan are gaining international renown, with residents starting to reap the dividends of eco-tourism. If these destinations can maintain clean and appealing surroundings, provide modern toilets and sanitation facilities, and show that sufficient measures are in place to protect lives and property, tourists will keep coming.

The government hopes to attract 10 million visitors a year by 2016. With all the natural attractions all over the country, this is not an impossible target. But every effort must be made to make travelers as comfortable as possible – from the moment they set foot on a Philippine airport until they leave.