DOT Bicol expects influx of foreign tourists in 2015

THE BICOL University Dance Troupe showcases “Bicol Pastores,” the Bicolanos’ musical reenactment of the story of Nativity, during the regional launching of the Department of Tourism’s “Visit the Philippines 2015” at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA/ INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol said they expect P1.2 million foreign tourists to visit the six Bicol provinces of Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes in 2015.

Milo Oropeza, officer of DOT-Bicol, gave this projection during the regional launch of “Visit the Philippines 2015” campaign here on Friday.

He said DOT-Bicol is optimistic its comprehensive promotional strategies to market the region’s tourist destinations would help it realize its target number of foreign tourist arrivals next year.

Oropeza said their target of 1.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2015 is double the 670,000 arrivals they have recorded in 2013. (He said they have yet to complete the documentation on foreign tourist arrivals for the third quarter of 2014.)

The local chief executives of the six provinces have been taught by the Tourism Promotion Board how to best showcase their assets and offer the best activities to the tourists, he said.

Maria Ong-Ravanilla, DOT Bicol director, cited as come-ons to the tourists the calendar events in Bicol like the traditional fiestas, authentic food and unique sports activities to be offered by each province and city.

Sorsogon tourism officer Cristina Raciles said the presence of the “butanding” in Donsol town has always been drawing tourists while Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal added the city is keen on being host to local and international conventions next year.

Rosal added another triathlon event would be held next year in Legazpi City while Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete (3rd district) said the province would have its first international rodeo competition in April 2015.

Ravanilla said the 2011-2016 National Tourism Development Plan of DOT-Bicol has identified two clusters of Tourism Development Areas that would help spur the growth of tourist arrivals.

The first cluster is the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Tourism Alliance and the second is the 3Cs (Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur).

DOT-Bicol has done roadshow events in Malaysia, Thailand, London and Hong Kong to encourage the people to visit the Philippines, particularly Bicol, Ravanilla said.

To promote the year-long events in their provinces, interested parties could register and submit their activities using DOT’s website www.visitph2015.com, Oropeza said.