Siargao among TIME's 'World's Greatest Places of 2021'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 22) — Siargao Island continues to earn the recognition of renowned publications as a world-class tourist destination.

Known as the country's surfing capital, Siargao was included in TIME Magazine's "World's Greatest Places of 2021."

"While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop--shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves," TIME said in an article. 

It also mentioned new features on the island, including Inara Siargao Resort, as well as new cell towers to improve data connectivity. TIME considered a place's ability to adapt, build and innovate amid the pandemic as part of its criteria for the list.

The Department of Tourism on Thursday welcomed the news and said it continues to work on keeping tourism safe.

"We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travelers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Vogue Paris also tagged Siargao as a top island for summer holidays.