LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Tourist arrivals in Bicol have increased by 100 percent from January to April compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Tourism.
DOT-Bicol director Benjamin Santiago said the spike in tourist arrivals was reported even before the announcement that Boracay would be closed for six months.
Santiago said white sand beaches, particularly in Caramoan, Camarines Sur; San Jacinto, Masbate, and Calaguas island in Vinzons, Camarines Norte are among the top tourist attractions.He said hotels and inns in the areas are fully booked.
“Our main office allows us to recommend only two tourist destinations per region. But we have plenty of tourist spots across Bicol’s mainland and island provinces,” Santiago said.