The Philippines is known for its gorgeous islands and beaches. Tourists, both local and foreign, attest to its awesome allure.
For instance, the island of Palawan - hailed by Travel+Leisure magazine as the world's second-best island this year - is among the many attractions the archipelago takes pride in.
The selection of the island from among 15 major tourist attractions should not come as a surprise: Palawan actually held the exclusive bragging rights when it was voted as the world's premier island in 2013 and 2017. Its rise to the No. 2 spot this year (with a 90.87 score) from sixth place last year cements anew its reputation as a must-go-to destination.
The Philippines' fifth largest island, Palawan was next only to Sri Lanka in Travel+Leisure's "The World's Best Awards 2019." One reader, according to the magazine, said that the island was the "single most beautiful place I have ever seen." Maldives, Milos, and Bali join Sri Lanka and Palawan in this year's top global tourist havens.
In the global map
The criteria for voting, based on Travel+Leisure's reader choices, examines "activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value."
Palawan also bagged second place in the magazine's yearly listing of Best Islands Category in Asia, joined by Cebu and Boracay, the Philippine's seventh and ninth best islands that garnered a score of 87.09 and 86.90, respectively.
According to Travel+Leisure, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu are long-time favorites, citing "top-notch reef and wreck diving, white-sand beaches, hiking trails with waterfalls and welcoming locals," as the best features in the selection.
In 2007, National Geographic Traveler magazine listed Palawan - home to the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - as the best island destination in the East and Southeast Asia region. Palawan has had a Biosphere Reserve status since the 1990s, proof of its massive push for conservation and sustainable development. Situated on the northern end of Palawan is El Nido, also currently named as the "Most Beautiful Beach in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller.
Foreign investor
Meanwhile, Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp (PHA)'s bet in Palawan's enduring beauty is pushing this Qatari holdings company's stocks to the roof. PHA, which is currently developing one of the biggest tourism properties in the Philippines, has grown 300% this year, beating global competitors with over $15 million in market value.
Premiere's Palawan masterplan includes the construction of 5 hotels, 3 shopping malls, and a golf course in three years. The development is expected to give the island some $248 million in revenue, in addition to a yearly income of $86-million generated from this project, PHA said.
