Sorsogon: The Sorsogon government, through its Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office, on Thursday said tourism arrivals in the province more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2023.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bobby Gigantone, Sorsogon tourism officer, stated that arrivals increased by 137.91 percent to 2.86 million tourists last year from 1.2 million in 2023. Of the total, 2.73 million were domestic tourists, while 135,712 were foreign tourists. This growth indicates the province's appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

"This growth is a testament to the province's substantial investments and dedicated efforts in enhancing its tourism industry. Under the Governor Edwin Hamor demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the tourism sector through strategic promotion and marketing efforts," Gigantone said. The provincial government, along with the 14 local government units and one component city, played a crucial role in establishing the province as a leading tourist destination in Bicol.

Tourist gross receipts for domestic tourists reached PHP274 million, while foreign tourists contributed PHP13.3 million, which supported the local economy. Local tourism also generated 465,888 jobs, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities across the province.

Gigantone emphasized that these milestones reflect the collective and sustained tourism efforts of the province, LGUs, and stakeholders to promote a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry. The province aims to continue its vision of being a premier tourism destination and a model for sustainable tourism development in the Philippines.

Some notable tourist attractions and activities in Sorsogon include the whale-shark interaction in Donsol, white beaches, mangrove forests, surfing, hot springs, ancestral houses, and the Bulusan Lake.