Palawan was recognized as one of the world's "Most Desirable Islands" by a travel magazine based in the United Kingdom.

The Wanderlust Travel Awards, now in its 21st year, gave the award to the province known for beaches and limestone formations, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The same body also hailed the DOT's Central Visayas regional office after placing sixth "among hundreds of special entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category for its Dive7 Program," the agency said.

Cebu province was also nominated as the Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) by the award-giving body, it added.

"The awards were given on 9 November by the prestigious Wanderlust travel magazine, one of the United Kingdom's longest-running publications that has been at the forefront of sustainable travel for 29 years," it said in its statement.

DOT Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco thanked the readers of Wanderlust magazine" for their love and support for the Philippines. "

"These awards reflect the efforts to revive the tourism industry that are well underway especially because of the Marcos administration's thrust towards prioritizing tourism development. Rest assured that we will continue with our mission to herald the Philippines and the Filipino brand to the world and to ensure the continued sustainability of our islands," she said.

The country has received awards from travel publications like Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, and TIME this year. 30