CamSur makes waves as top water sports, Survivor spot

Camarines Sur (CamSur) emerged as a hotspot for tourists in 2009 — with international water sports events and reality TV shows as its added "experiential" come-ons. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that total tourist traffic in the top 14 Philippine destinations in 2009 reached 8.9 million, a 14 percent growth from the previous year. Sizzling CamSur sports While Cebu may have taken the top spot with 1.61 million tourists, the 117.2 percent increase in CamSur’s tourist traffic — that’s 1.57 million in 2009 compared to 721,024 visitors in 2008 — was simply sensational. The numbers attested to the success of the region’s staging of international and local events such as the First Aqua Fest Celebrity Challenge, the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, the International Dragon Boat Competition, and the Bagasbas Summer Surf. Overall, CamSur’s domestic visitors grew by 140 percent while foreigners went up by 56 percent. The awesome surge in CamSur’s tourism industry is expected to continue in 2010, as the DOT recently welcomed back the cast and crew of Survivor Israel, the Israeli franchise of the hit American TV reality game show Survivor. Reality TV fever The Survivor producers picked CamSur’s Caramoan Island to be the setting of its 40-day reality TV show for the second time. Caramoan first generated media attention in 2008 with the filming of Survivor France. This was followed by Survivor Bulgaria in the latter part of the same year. Last year, Survivor Israel also filmed there. “More than the international promotion being generated by the TV show, we see it as the Israelis’ vote of confidence for not only Caramoan Island, but the entire Philippines, as a destination," said DOT Secretary Ace Durano. For his part, Survivor Israel producer Gregory Bekerman raved about Caramoan’s “wild paradise" charm. “It is virtually untouched and yet it has enough facilities to accommodate the show," he said. "The Philippine beaches are a refreshing view," added Guy Hameiri , CEO of Survivor Israel’s production outfit Reif Hameiri. “It’s an overwhelming location and I’m sure it will be very tempting for our audience to go see it themselves." Indeed, DOT has received several bookings through one of the largest tour operators in Israel, Mona Tours. Minerva Bruner, Travel Consultant for the company, was in the country recently to meet with some of the country’s premier hotels. “We are expecting big tour groups from Tel Aviv through MonaTours. Aside from these, the crew of Survivor Israel is also slated to visit some of our top sites," disclosed Verna Buensuceso, who heads DOT’s Team Europe. Added attractions Caramoan is fast gaining popularity for its 45 coves and islets, each with different charms. Gota Beach, the jump-off point to other islands and venue of the show’s entire season, is just one of the captivating destinations in Caramoan. Other islands on the Caramoan Peninsula such as Lahuy, Lahus, Matukad, Hunongan, Cotivas, Pitogo, Sabitang Laya, Tinago, and Tayak have long been favorite haunts of diving, snorkeling, and spelunking aficionados. Caramoan beaches are famous for their picturesque view of the sunset, long shorelines, powdery white sands, limestone rock formations, crystal clear water, and abundant reefs. Indeed, CamSur's decision to highlight experiential activities rather than the usual guided tours has worked to its advantage. Its accessibility also contributes to its tourist traffic. There are regular flights from Manila to Camarines Sur. Planes land in Naga City. Tourists may also take an eight-hour bus ride from Manila to Naga City. From there, they can make arrangements to explore the rest of Camarines Sur. – FVI/YA, GMANews.TV