The Department of Tourism (DoT) welcomed the inclusion of El Nido, Palawan, in the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) list of the world’s eight best beach escapes, an encouraging recognition amid rising fuel costs and broader global economic uncertainties affecting travel behavior.

The distinction reaffirms El Nido’s enduring appeal as a premier destination, offering world-class natural beauty and meaningful travel experiences that continue to inspire visitors from around the globe.

Combining both adventure and relaxation, El Nido remains a favorite among travelers, drawn to its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

DoT officer-in-charge Secretary Verna Buensuceso said the citation further reinforces Palawan’s global acclaim, positioning it as a leading destination for exceptional travel experiences.

“Citations such as these affirm the beauty and prestige of the many treasures that we boast to the world. This recognition proves that El Nido, like our other coastal destinations, can offer the same level of quality vacations as our global counterparts,” OIC-Secretary Buensuceso said.

Hidden jewels

BBC journalist Francis Augustin, who has personally visited El Nido with his peers, specifically praised the coastal destination for the wide range of water activities that could be done to explore the island’s hidden beaches and lagoons.

“My family, friends, and I booked a tour with a local speedboat crew, spending the day cutting across the crisp blue waters of Bacuit Bay in search of secluded beaches and lagoons. Among these limestone island clusters, we swam, kayaked, and snorkeled before anchoring in a solitary beach cove where our guides set up a meal of traditional Filipino meat and seafood dishes,” the article reads.