Boosting tourist arrivals in Bicol communities

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE Bicol Regional Tourism Council (BRTC), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism-Oriented Private Stakeholders (TOPS), conducted a joint annual conference on Nov. 7, 2024.

The event was also attended by the local government unit of Naga City, represented by Ruel Oliver, executive director of the Naga City Investment and Tourism Board, along with leaders of tourism-related business organizations, including representatives from schools, travel agencies, event organizers, and owners of resorts, hotels, and restaurants—all considered key players in the tourism industry.

Among these leaders were Naga College Foundation President Mario Villanueva, president of the Metro Naga Tourism Council; Dr. Regina Valencia, director of the Bicol Association of Tourism and Hospitality Educators; Dr. Agapito Rubio, the secretary-general; and Dr. Emmy Menes, the director of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Efren Daniel de Leon, BRTC and TOPS chairman, told Bicol Mail that this conference, held for the first time, aimed to discuss business strategies to strengthen Bicol’s tourism industry, which plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of local communities in the region.

He highlighted that before the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism revenues in Bicol had reached approximately P5 billion to P6 billion, generated through around five million tourist arrivals.

In 2023, he shared, 4,363,188 tourists visited Bicol, with 2,418,075 arriving between January and the present date, excluding those in Naga City.

He explained that data on tourist arrivals in Naga City this year has yet to be finalized.

In terms of revenue, last year the industry across the region generated P3,287,686,827, while from January to date this year, it has reached P2,184,870,312.

He noted that this data underscores the scale and importance of the tourism industry in the region, particularly in boosting hotel and resort marketing, which creates new job opportunities.

He added that with a booming tourism sector, more investors are likely to come and expand their businesses in local communities.

Meanwhile, DOT Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas announced that the diving tourism in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon is flourishing, though he acknowledged the shortage of dive shops in the region.

He emphasized the need for investors who can stock and sell driving gear for visitors eager to explore Bicol’s underwater attractions.

He also highlighted the devotion to the Our Lady of Salvation in Tiwi, Albay as a promising tourism attraction that draws large numbers of devotees.