Tourism plays a very important role in Philippine economy, as the industry grows steadily year after year, with the development of countless vacation destinations gaining world-class acclaim. Indeed, with its multi-faceted cultural traditions complementing the country’s innate natural beauty with its bountiful resources, the Philippines provides each tourist with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

A trip to the Philippines would ideally include dropping by to visit some of the country’s must-see spots. First on the list would be its vibrant capital city, Manila, with remnants of its Spanish colonial heritage still evident amid the backdrop of modern infrastructure. Not too far away lies Makati City, the country’s central business district, which boasts of the best urban skyline and nightlife haunts. Other popular destinations for nightlife would include the nearby urban districts of Libis in Quezon City, Ortigas, Malate, and Pasay.

Up north, the Philippines’ summer capital of Baguio is popular with both expats and locals alike, with its pleasant weather mingling with the best of arts and crafts. You can also go snorkeling through the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan or ride the waves in La Union. For a glimpse of living in the Spanish colonial era, a trip to Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is essential.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best beaches and diving destinations. Boracay Island boasts of a 4-km stretch of immaculate powdery white sand and is known all over the world as the best beach in Asia. The island of Palawan, known as the country’s last frontier, retains its unspoilt charm with the preservation of its natural resources, which makes it one of the most preferred vacation destinations for the rich and famous who would want to enjoy their holiday in luxurious privacy in one of the island’s numerous five-star resort hotels.

The country is also known for having the best diving destinations in the world, apart from Palau and Maldives. The richness of the biodiversity of Philippine waters remains a natural advantage, prompting the growth of the diving industry in recent years.

Known the world over as the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines also offers a series of exciting events the whole year round all over the archipelago, with its colorful festivals that provides an amazing experience for everyone. Some of the country’s key festivals would include Panay Island’s Ati-Atihan Festival (January), Quezon’s Pahiyas Festival (May), Sinulog Festival in Cebu (January), Bacolod’s Masskara Festival (October), Moriones Festival in Marinduque (March-April), along with countless beauty pageants, boxing matches, basketball games, cockfight derbies and more held throughout the year.