Camarines Sur draws most visitors in Bicol – DOT

LIGAO CITY — Camarines Sur topped the list of tourist destinations among the six provinces in the Bicol region in 2025, the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol reported.

Director Herbie Aguas said the province recorded the highest number of visitor arrivals as the region welcomed more than 2,408,875 tourists for the entire year.

“Based on records, 721,631 visitors explored the province last year, of which 708,367 were domestic tourists and 13,264 were foreign visitors,” Aguas told Inquirer in an interview Sunday.

Aguas said the province’s large share of visitors is attributed to its established tourism infrastructure and flagship attractions, including the Caramoan Islands (venue for the international TV show Survivor), the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex in Pili town, and the religious icon Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a pilgrimage site that draws both local and foreign travelers.

“Camarines Sur continues to serve as the tourism anchor of the region because of its accessibility, diverse destinations, and capacity to host major events,” Aguas said.Albay placed second with 601,407 arrivals (597,345 domestic and 4,062 foreign tourists), buoyed by visits to Mayon Volcano, particularly the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town, as well as nature-based attractions such as Kawa-Kawa Hill in Ligao City and Sumlang Lake in Camalig.

READ: CamSur edges out Metro Manila as top tourist stop

Camarines Norte recorded 468,574 arrivals, thanks to pristine beaches like Calaguas. In Sorsogon, butanding (whale shark) interactions drew 255,129 visitors.

Masbate had 209,912 arrivals, with tourists enjoying diving and other activities, while Catanduanes welcomed 152,222 visitors, attracted by its breathtaking hills and historic churches, according to DOT records. /jpv