Siargao has landed on Vogue France’s list of 10 “most charming islands to make the most of the summer season,” an inclusion welcomed by the Philippine government on Friday.

“The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is elated with the inclusion of the country’s surfing capital Siargao Island in ‘The 10 islands to go on holiday this summer’ list of coveted fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue Paris,” the DOT said in a statement.

Vogue Paris lifestyle editor Jade Simon, in a piece dated June 19, described Siargao as a destination that “offers soaring one-on-one with wild nature, populated more guest houses with their feet in the sand rather than five-star palaces.”

“Jacking Horse or Pacifico beaches are ideal for groping the waves. And for the less sporty, ‎‎the natural pools‎‎ allow you to splash in turquoise water,” she said.

Siargao joined the ranks of some of the world’s best islands identified by Vogue as summer getaways that offer tourists tranquility and paradisiacal beaches, including the Ponza island in Italy; Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands; Vis in Croatia; Sao Tome and Principe on the west African Coast; Isla Holbox in Mexico; Manshausen Island in Norway; Fourni island in Greece; Canggu in Bali, Indonesia; and Spain’s volcanic island Lanzarote.

“The inclusion of Siargao in the magazine’s list is a testament that the natural beauty of the Philippines remains enticing and top-of-mind among leisure travelers abroad, despite the restricted inbound travel for tourism due to the pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

At present, only local tourists, including those from the National Capital Region are allowed to visit Siargao Island.

With more tourism workers completing their vaccination against Covid-19, Romulo-Puyat is hoping inbound travel restrictions for foreign travelers—particularly those who are fully vaccinated—will soon be eased. (PNA)