(Eagle News)–The Philippines has been named the World’s Leading Dive Destination, the Department of Tourism said.
According to the DOT, the Philippines received the recognition from the World Travel Awards for the first time at the grand final gala ceremony on Thursday at the Royal Opera House Muscat in Muscat, Oman.
“This latest recognition is a validation that the Philippines is truly a premier dive destination,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
“Dubbed by marine experts and scientists as the heart of marine biodiversity in the world, our country is home to the highest concentration of coral reef life and astounding variety of marine species,” she added.
In winning the recognition, the Philippines bested the Azores Islands, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.
The Amanpulo Resort in Palawan was also named the world’s leading dive resort, the DOT said.
Last year, the Philippines was recognized as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination.
The Philippines’ DOT was also recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourism Board.
