Monday, September 7, 2009

Boracay among top holiday destinations

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY - The popular island paradise of Boracay was voted among the top ten holiday destinations in Asia in a recent Smart Travel Asia online survey.
The "Island of the Gods”, Bali, Indonesia ranked first followed by Thai island of Phuket. The South Indian idyll of Kerala in India came in third while the neon-powered city of Hong Kong is fourth.
Bangkok, Thailand co-ranked with Hoi An, Vietnam in fifth for the best holiday destinations in Asia.
According to Smart Travel Asia, Bali remains a peaceful ritual-minded Hindu enclave in a bustling Muslim country and Phuket for its string of wonderful beaches, fine food, nightlife and special Thai can-do hospitality.
Boracay, off mainland Panay, climbed one position to share the sixth spot with newcomers Goa, India and Langkawi, Malaysia.
Boracay is the top island beach destination in the country with over 400,000 travelers in the first six months this year, data from the Department of Tourism showed.
The island of Palawan and Chiang Mai in Thailand were ranked seventh followed by Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia,) Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Koh Samui, Thailand in ninth while Penang, Malaysia and Rajasthan, India in the tenth spot.
Mandala Spa of Boracay was also ranked 24th for the Best Spa Hotels in Asia, Cebu Pacific ranked fourth for Best Budget Airlines and Philippine Airlines maintained the tenth spot for Best Cabin Service Worldwide.
Smart Travel Asia, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, also voted the best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.

No comments:

Post a Comment