Indicator	Target* 2007	Actual 2007	Accomplish- ment  Rate (%)	Target* 2006	Actual 2006	Accomplish- ment Rate (%)	Growth Rate (%)
Tourist Arrivals	490,877*	897,680	182.87	468,976*	637,127	135.85	40.89
Tourist Receipts (Millions)	No target	443.6		No target	295.6		50.07
Job Generated	26,719*	317,874	1,189.67	25,527*	165,614	648.77	91.94

* Rectified figures               

Source: Bicol RDP, 2004-2010; DOT 5

   Camarines Sur / Naga City and Catanduanes accounted for the dominant increases of 76.68 percent and 75.89 percent in tourist arrivals in 2007, respectively (Table 5.2). Compared to the other provinces/cities, Camarines Sur/Naga City and Catanduanes showed positive improvements in terms of their regional share. Consistently, Camarines Sur/Naga City contributed the biggest share at 50.9 percent in 2007 and 40.59 percent in 2006.

Table 5.2 Tourist Arrivals by Province/City, Bicol Region, 2006-2007

Province/City	2007			2006			GR (%) 2006-2007	Regional  Share (%)	Regional Share  (%) 2006
	Domestic	Foreign	Total	Domestic	Foreign	Total
Albay/Legazpi City	105,247	36,608	141,855	124,675	8,765	133,440	6.31	15.8	20.94
Camarines Norte	78,192	2,744	80,936	69,922	3,617	73,539	10.06	9.02	11.54
Camarines Sur/Naga City	411,285	45,626	456,911	232,778	25,830	258,608	76.68	50.9	40.59
Catanduanes	40,665	10,390	51,055	25,845	3,181	29,026	75.89	5.69	4.56
Masbate	104,363	2,645	107,008	74,188	2,942	77,130	38.74	11.92	12.11
Sorsogon	52,320	7,595	59,915	60,415	4,969	65,384	(8.36)	6.67	10.26
Total	792,072	105,608	897,680	587,823	49,304	637,127	40.89	-	-

Source: DOT 5

Figure 5.1 Tourist Arrivals Regional Performance Share

 Source: DOT5

   The tourist-drawing feature of Camarines Sur and Naga City was attributed to the six-point cable skiing man-made attraction at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC). Complementary to this were the 128-room accommodation facility within the complex, the pristine beaches and rock formations in Caramoan, the annual Penafrancia Festival in Naga City, the operation of new hotels (Avenue Plaza Hotel and Starview Hotel), the expansion of the Regent Hotel and Sampaguita Tourist Inn, the construction of the Haciendas de Naga (a retirement haven) and the booming commercial attraction along Magsaysay Avenue which was transformed into an entertainment hub of the city. The City also became a favorite destination for study tours as a model LGU on good governance.

   Albay and Legazpi City recorded the highest growth rate in terms of foreign tourist arrivals in 2007. Tourists from the USA dominated the foreign arrivals on account of the 27^th Bikol National Association of America (BNAA) Annual Convention held in June 2007 and of the intensified Balik Bikol Program by the LGUs. Further, Mayon Volcano remained a key eco-tourism destination. Though Albay and Legazpi City remained second in 2006 and 2007 in terms of regional share in tourist arrivals, its overall performance slumped by 5.14 percent over its last year’s share and a meager growth of 6.31 percent in 2007.  This implies that though Mayon Volcano continues to be a key eco-tourism attraction, intensified efforts to promote and develop other tourist attractions and activities in Albay/Legazpi have to be scaled up in partnership with the local government units and the private sector.

   Sorsogon had a negative 8.36 percent growth performance in 2007 despite the whaleshark attraction in Donsol. Aside from its being a seasonal attraction, the whalesharks were subjected to protection laws which limited the number of visitors who were able to visit the area for an interactive whaleshark experience within the year. Also, Donsol had limited rooms for tourists, thus most of them opted to stay in Legazpi City for side tours and entertainment activities.

   Catanduanes has shown considerable increase of tourist arrivals in 2007 but remained at the bottom in terms of regional share. The driver of tourism in Catanduanes was the Puraran beach which has now become an international surfing attraction but more efforts would still be needed especially in coming up with a visitor center and a boardwalk. The prime movers of tourism in Masbate and Camarines Norte were the Rodeo Masbateño and Pinyasan Festivals, respectively.

   The top ten foreign tourism markets in the region all showed positive growth rates. A swelling market of tourists from USA, France and Germany were noted with a growth rate of 575.28 percent, 192.09 percent and 101.50 percent, respectively.

Table 5.3 Top 10 Foreign Tourist Markets, Bicol Region, 2006-2007

Country	2007	% Share	2006	Growth Rate (%
USA	40,672	38.51	6,023	575.28
Japan	6,160	5.83	4,939	24.72
Germany	4,312	4.08	2,140	101.50
South Korea	3,438	3.26	1,952	76.13
Australia	2,527	2.39	2,351	7.49
France	2,030	1.92	695	192.09
United Kingdom	1,992	1.89	1,775	12.23
China	1,528	1.45	1,165	31.16
Canada	1,391	1.32	1,268	9.7
Singapore	792	.75	616	28.57

         Source: DOT 5

Figure 5.2 Top 10 Foreign Tourist Market Share, Bicol Region, 2007

         Source: DOT 5
 

   It is noteworthy that the bulk of tourists who visited the region were drawn in by various events, festivals and national conferences that were locally-hosted. The DOT 5 had lined-up several activities to promote and enhance the market exposure of Bicol Region’s tourism locally and internationally.

   An innovative tourism loop created by the DOT interlinked the major tourism destinations along the major routes in Regions 5, 8 and 13 via the eastern nautical highway. DOT conducted an 8-day Inter-Regional Caravan last August 2007 as a validation and familiarization activity for press practitioners, travel and tour operators, tourism officers and DOT regional officers. This led to the establishment of networks, collaborations and development of new tour packages that connected the three regions via the Maharlika Highway and RORO routes.

   In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOT 5 showcased the best of Bicol destinations and products through the Gayon Bicol back to back with Orgullo Kan (OK) Bikol in October at the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The event featured the region’s tourism potentials and attractions through exhibit, trade fair, cultural shows, festival/parade presentation, Bicol artists extravaganza and food and craft demonstration. The event recorded a 41 percent increase in gross sales for the DTI over last year’s event and attracted some 20,000 visitors. 

   Complementing the WOW Philippines marketing campaign with its Balik-Bicol program, DOT 5 conducted the 7^th Bicol Tourism Trade and Investment Mission to Australia last November. This was in collaboration with the Bicol local government officials and the Bicol Communities League, Inc. of Australia. The mission helped fast-track the socio-economic development of the region through aggressive promotions on tourism, trade and investment.

   More opportunities were provided by DOT 5 for meetings and transactions with potential clients on tourism-related concerns. Thus, DOT 5 participated in the following travel shows: Davao International Travel Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Exhibition; 3^rd Vis-Min Travel and Lifestyle Expo 2007; the Philippine International Tourism Fair and the World Congress and Travel Fair 2007 in Japan, both showcasing Adventure Sports at the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex; the 8^th Philippine Travel Mart; and 2^nd North Philippines International Tourism Fair.

   DOT 5 likewise organized familiarization tours for media and travel agents to develop new tour packages and networks. These included Hong Kong and Chinese Media Tours to Donsol Sorsogon, Women and Travel Tour to Caramoan and CWC in Camarines Sur, and the ABS-CBN North Philippines Tour to Donsol, Pilar and Albay.

   On its accreditation function, DOT 5 accredited 44 tourism-oriented establishments (TOEs), five of which were original applications. This was 62.96 percent more than the 27 TOEs accredited in 2006.

   To provide quality services and upgrade the industry skills of tourism establishments in the region, DOT 5 conducted 12 tourism trainings and seminars. Among these were trainings for TOPCOPs, boat operators, Butanding interaction officers, firefly guides, Sta. Clara Shipping Crews, dive guides; and workshops/seminars on eco-adventure/kulinarya tours, sustainable development for tourism destination and tour guiding techniques.  

   DOT 5 maintained information counters at its regional office and at the Legazpi City Airport. It also maintained websites through the www.wobicol.com and www.visitmyphilippines.com.