I guess if a writer is paid enough they will write anything. According to this one particular writer the Philippines is listed as 2nd in the top 10 travel destinations. I guess if one hasn't traveled much or has only seen the very best of the Philippines, maybe, but I don't think it would be 2nd in my book. I'm still waiting for South-Central Los Angeles, California to make someones top 10 must-see-places list. :D MANILA, Philippines --- Some parts of the world may still be oblivious of the Philippines as a hot beach-holiday destination but American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller predicts that the country's heavenly islands and white sand beaches are among the newest destinations to watch for in 2013. On the magazine's online site (Luxury Travel Magazine | Travel Guides | (Condé Nast Traveller)), the Philippines ranked second in its "Top 10 hot destinations that will be big news for travelers in 2013." 1) Brazil topped the list. 2) The Philippines 3) The Netherlands' city of Amsterdam was ranked third 4) Africa, fourth (I guess if you skip the war ravaged areas) 5) Galapagos Islands, fifth 6) Kashmir, sixth 7) Mayan Riviera, seventh 8) New Zealand, eighth 9) Panama, ninth 10) and Oman, 10th. Condé Nast's Laura Fowler wrote in her article that "the Philippines may still not be the most obvious beach destination but it soon will be." The writer also compared the country's more than 7,000 islands to the islands of Maldives: "Sorry, Maldives... We love you, but we've got a new flame." Especially mentioned in the piece as must-see places are Bicol, where travelers can swim with the huge but gentle whale sharks; Siargo, a stunning little known island perfect for deep-sea fishing; Palawan, "palm-fringed white-powder beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, natural lagoons for wild swimming all of it protected by UNESCO." According to the article, the Philippines is becoming "particularly popular among serious divers, who come for the incredible underwater life, unspoilt coral gardens with rainbow-bright fish, green sea turtles and dugongs." This year, the country's countless world-class beaches may well be on the radar for wide-eyed travelers looking for the next best tropical paradise.
The high rating is probably a result of all of you on short-term visas that go in and out all the time.
Don't know how it is in other places...but certainly down here last few months the Philippines has been getting considerably more attention in travel sections of the newspapers - and starring in segments on travel shows. Yet to see the Philippine government spend a dime to promote the place on TV or anywhere else....but local travel writers and show producers are liking their trips to the Philippines and giving it some very high recommendations. Seems like everyone is sick to death of Bali and Thailand so the Philippines is certain to pick up a lot of that business. Good luck, could be a great boost to employment and infrastructure....
Amsterdam isn't my favourite city, while drugs & hookers are available everywhere in the world. But maybe the numerous British people who visit the city have contribute to this high ranking. Don't think their exact reason to choose Amsterdam is because of D&H, if only for a limited number of them.
