The Department of Tourism in Bicol (DOT-5) is now pushing for the development of golf and dive tourism as additional tourist drawers in the region.

During Tuesday’s “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” held in this city, DOT-Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas said they have conducted several dive assessments for potential diving spots in the six provinces in the region.

“There have been dive assessments in Masbate, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and recently in Catanduanes and Rapu-Rapu in Albay. The money brought in by diving is big; last year our country generated PHP73 billion in revenue from this industry. For the Bicol Region, at least we can see PHP1 billion additional revenue, so this is going to be big. Our ocean is beautiful, and with two island provinces and coastal areas, it has great potential for our economy,” Aguas said in Filipino.

He said the Bicol region has many destinations to offer tourists aside from Mayon Volcano, the beautiful beaches and coral reefs for underwater enthusiasts.

He cited beautiful diving sites in Barangay San Bernardino in Bulusan, Sorsogon; Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi in Albay; and Monreal, San Jacinto, and Batuan towns in Masbate.

Also, the towns of Paracale, Mercedes, and Vinzons in Camarines Norte, as well as parts of Camarines Sur are known for having beautiful coral reefs.

Aguas added that to ensure the sustainability of dive tourism, their office also promotes and implements the Coral Reef Restoration Program.

“While we are promoting this dive tourism, we are also conducting programs that preserve marine protection. We are also collaborating and conducting meetings and dialogue with our local government units to declare marine protected areas for the sustainability of our marine diversity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aguas said various golf sites in Camarines Sur and Masbate are now being developed, along with the existing golf site in Albay.

He also said at least three tourist rest areas will be constructed in emerging tourist destinations in Tabaco City in Albay, Lagonoy, and San Jose-Partido in Camarines Sur this year.

DOT data shows that in 2023, more than 4.1 million domestic and foreign tourists visited the region. (PNA)