An exciting partnership between the Provincial Government and Palawan Tourism Council and AirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, which was voted the World’s Best Low Cost Airline for six consecutive years by Skytrax, is to launch the “World’s Best Island” campaign.
Globally known as a destination of natural wonders, Palawan was named the world’s best island in the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2014. The province of Palwan won the readers’ top vote over other popular island destinations including Hawaii, Mozambique, Australia, and Greece. Additionally, El Nido and Honda Bay, the most popular faces of Palawan, were named the “Most Beautiful Island Beach” and “Best Island Beach for Swimming and Snorkeling,” respectively in February 2015.
Palawan Governor Jose CH. Alvarez made it his goal to bring more tourists – domestic and international alike – to visit Palawan through the initative. According to the Palawan Tourism Council, the province aims to welcome 1.4 million tourists by 2014 with the help of the Palawan-Air Asia Ink Partnership.
“For years, Palawan seemed to be the country’s best kept secrets, with its idyllic destinations unknown to many. In recent years, the province has emerged as among the top tourist destinations not only in the Philippines but globally.
Being named the world’s best island is truly an honor, and has presented to us both a challenge and opportunity to continue having this prestige. The island is usually known as the country’s last frontier – it is up to us to make Palawan to remain the first on every tourist’s list,” Governor Alvarez said.
The new initiative will creative proactive marketing and promotional campaigns to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the province. It will also collaborate with the Palawan Tourism Council and AirAsia in carrying out media familiarization tours and other activities.
A goal of the “World’s Best Island” campaign, USAID-COMPETE is also helping the province conceptualize new tourism products to boost tourist traffic to/from Palawan.
Meanwhile, the Palawan Tourism Council agreed to coordinate between the province and tourism stakeholders in Palawan, as well as host the guests during the familiarization tours.
AirAsia has committed to offer special low fares during travel fairs and provide year-round affordable fares for its 3x/daily flights between Manila and Puerto Princesa City.
