MANILA, Philippines–To Malaysians, Boracay is still the best beach destination.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said on Tuesday Boracay has been declared “Favorite Beach Destination 2015” by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).

Matta made the announcement in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, ahead of the annual Matta Fair, a travel expo showcasing travel and tour services on March 13 to 15 at the Putra World Trade Center.

A news release from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said Matta organizing committee chair Jayakumar S. Sinnadurai praised the Philippines for its rich natural resources and biodiversity, and Boracay for its fine white sand beaches.

“It is our pleasure that Malaysians discover the island, with its pristine white sands and breathtaking beaches, which captivate many visitors for nature tripping, water sports and beach hopping,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

Malaya said Boracay has consistently been on the list of the world’s best beaches and has received numerous awards from major travel magazines and organizations.

At the press conference, the Philippine Embassy launched the “Second Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines,” inviting Malaysians to visit Cebu and Bohol.

Malaya reiterated the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Visit the Philippines 2015” slogan which says that this is the best time to visit as the country is hosting major international conferences on the back of strong economic growth.

“A flurry of festivals, concerts, conferences and other events will draw both domestic and foreign tourists. The country is also hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, where the delegates will congregate in different Philippine cities to talk about inclusive growth for their respective citizens and, during their downtime, take in all the beautiful sights the Philippines has to offer,” Malaya said.

After the successful first Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines in November 2013, the embassy, with the Department of Tourism, is rolling out a second edition on May 2 to 5 in Cebu and Bohol.

Malaya said participants of the first tour told embassy officials they wanted a repeat of the tour and this time they would bring along more friends and family.

“Cebu and Bohol are increasingly becoming major Philippine tourist destinations. It is an opportunity for our Malaysian friends to see other parts of the country,” the ambassador added.

Helping the embassy and the DOT Cebu regional office are the offices of Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Bohol Gov. Edgardo Chatto.

Participants in the three-day and four-night May 2 to 5 tour will fly from Kuala Lumpur directly to Cebu, where they will be treated to a city tour, visit to a guitar factory and workshops on hand-painting and fashion accessories.

They will explore Cebu’s islands, go to beaches, snorkel, visit a marine sanctuary, a fishing village and have a barbeque picnic lunch.