Camarines Sur Doubles in 2009

Philippine tourism performed better this year in terms of tourist volume with Camarines Sur more than doubling its visitors.
During the first nine months, the volume of domestic tourist increased by 21% while foreign tourist grew by 2.7%. In the third quarter alone, tourist arrivals in the country’s tourist destinations grew by 17% to 5.2 million.

Interestingly, the graphs show a significant increase of tourist influx to Camarines Sur with an overall growth of 124.6% or 1.23 million tourists. Domestic visitors increased by 163% while foreign travel rose by 29%.

Tourist Volume 1st to 3rd Quarter 2009

Major events this year were attributed the increased awareness and growth of international travel to Camarines Sur. These include the International Kite Boarding Competition, World Wakeboarding Competition, Ironman Run, and the International Dragon Boat Competition.

The Department of Tourism also reports Cebu as having regained its lead as the most visited destination with 1.24 million visitors, posting a growth rate of 1.8%.

Moreover, tourist arrivals in Boracay Island rose by 5.3% with domestic visitors up by 10% for a total volume of 506,896. Bohol registered a 21% growth in foreign arrivals and 10% increase in domestic visitors. Destinations Puerto Princesa City, Davao, and Negros Oriental also posted postive gains.

Tourist Monthly Arrivals 1Q-3Q 2009

*Statistics from the Department of Tourism

Is what they say about Camarines Sur being the ‘Next Boracay‘ fast becoming a reality? More than the filming of Survivor reality series, the number says it all. We just hope that the flourishing of Camarines Sur’s virgin islands such as the Caramoan peninsula be partnered with sustainable development as the government works hand in hand with the people.