Since it started operation in May 2006, tourist arrivals in Bicol reached 637,127 by December 2006 with the province of Camarines Sur getting the biggest share of 40 percent accounted for by CWC visitors and balikbayans. Foreign tourists increased remarkably from 29,969 in 2005 to 49,304 in 2006 or a 65 percent growth. Camarines Sur outranked Albay, which had been consistently on top of the list for several years in terms of tourist arrivals in the region.

Going to the places is easy since the province can be reached by a seven to eight hours land trip from Manila with the availability of air conditioned buses regularly plying Manila-Bicol route. A forty-five minute flight is also available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Manila to Pili Airport and two flights daily from Manila to Legazpi on a B737 plane.

With the influx of tourists, economic activities in the province/region increased particularly the tourism-oriented-establishments. Many of the hotels and pension houses in Naga City are picking up as well as resorts in the neighboring towns. New hotels were built in Naga City and also the expansion of existing ones. Tourists can also stay inside the Mansion Suites located in the sprawling Provincial Capitol Complex. Formerly the Governor’s Mansion, it was converted into a hotel with modern amenities. It serves continental, traditional Filipino and Bicolano cuisine. Room rates are reasonable including the use of its modern amenities – free Wi-Fi access, excellent service, spacious and comfortable accommodations. De Luxe Double rooms daily rates are P2,200 and P4,000 for the Presidential Suites.

Apart from the CWC, other attractions within the Provincial Capitol Complex is the 25-hectare Eco-village that displays man-made wonders, from the cave, waterfalls, fishponds and breeding houses, to the aviaries with its exciting colorful birds. It also offers room accommodations at reasonable rates.

With CWC, along with other key ecotourism sites in the region, like Mayon Volcano and Mt. Bulusan, Bicol and the rest of the Central Philippines Regions, will truly be the premier tourist destination of the country as envisioned by the President of the Philippines, during her SONA in July 2006.

Source: Bicol Development Updates, Vol. II Issue 2
               Regional Development Council, NEDA, Region V