DOT feted in Japan for Boracay rehab

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MANILA — The Philippine government’s efforts in rehabilitating world-renowned island resort Boracay continue receiving praises as the prestigious Japan Tourism Awards (JTA) feted the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday.

The award-giving body cited the “socially advanced initiatives” of the agency in the rehabilitation by taking a high risk of closing and pursuing a cohesive effort to implement Boracay’s physical, social, environmental and social recovery.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat personally received the Excellent Partner Award during the opening ceremonies of the Tourism Expo Japan held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Osaka.

Puyat is elated that the recognition came on the heels of the World Travel Awards’ recognizing the DOT as Asia’s Leading Tourism Board.

“We share this award with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government). Our combined efforts in the rehabilitation of Boracay is still a work in progress, but already we are seeing the rewards,” she said.

“Recently, Boracay was recognized as Asia’s Top Reader’s Choice Award by Conde Nast Traveler,” she added.

The award-giving body recognizes the efforts of tourism organizations around the globe that contribute to the development and expansion of the industry also honoring exceptional efforts of groups towards sustainable tourism development.

The awarding took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) Ministerial Round Table in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) where the tourism chief was invited to be one of the panelists.

The said event was attended by ministers of Tourism from all over the world, executives from international tourism organizations and governors of prefectures of Japan.