Camiguin, known as the “Island Born of Fire”, is expected to add more fire to its tourism campaign as the provincial government recently launched its rebranding theme as it fully reopens its local industry.
With the new tagline “Camiguin Isle be There”, the rebranding a reboot to welcome visitors again after the Covid-19 pandemic limited the entry of people in the island.
According to governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, the new tourism slogan is part of the provincial government’s transformation and development plans, with the participation of communities, establishments and stakeholders.
Governor Rodin Romualdo, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10 director Marie Elaine Unchuan and Philippine Coast Guard station commander Ensign Jay-R Bryant Peniones.
“We embarked on a new branding and campaign to push Camiguin into the people’s minds that it’s a place that they can aspire go to,” he said.
The word “isle” was also chosen to replace “I’ll” to emphasize Camiguin’s idyllic island living.
Governor Rodin Romualdo, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10 director Marie Elaine Unchuan and Philippine Coast Guard station commander Ensign Jay-R Bryant Peniones.
He noted that despite its reopening in 2021, the province failed to meet the pre-pandemic tourist arrival as it only tallied around 120,000 last year, as opposed to 800,000 domestic and foreign visitors which brought in over P4.8 billion in receipts in 2019.
The provincial chief executive also revealed the P 250-M Mantigue Island Tourism Plan which will upgrade its facilities and guest services. Situated off Mahinog town, the marine park and white sand island is among northern Mindanao’s top scuba diving destinations because of its rich biodiversity and is the site of the annual Camiguin Dive Festival.
Along with the tourism rebranding, the province also inaugurated the new Arrival Terminal and visitor’s center at the Benoni Port in Mahinog where ferry boat passengers will have their Clean Camiguin QR code processed by scanning machines.
The provincial government implemented the use of QR code for an organized and secure stay, electronic ticketing system at the different tourist spots, and easier monitoring of statistics for tourism planning purposes.
“We are also going for the digitalization to achieve ‘Smart Tourism’ where tourists can enjoy the island with ease and safety,” Romualdo said.
With its enhanced attractions and digitalization in full swing, he is confident that Camiguin can reach 1 million arrivals by 2025.
First-time visitors to the province can get their QR code at www.cleancamiguinqr.com to input their basic information, valid ID and vaccination record, for ease of entry at the airport and seaports particularly this coming summer peak season.
For the Holy Week, the province will be hosting the Camiguin FireAthlon, a swim-bike-run triathlon, and the annual Panaad, a Good Friday ritual where religious devotees walk around the island’s 64-km circumferential road as a sacrifice, either in fulfillment of a vow or as penance for sins. The walk includes an ascent to the Stations of the Cross on old Mt. Vulcan in Catarman town which features 15 life-size tableaus on the Passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The province is also known for the Lanzones Festival which is held every October to celebrate the bountiful harvest of this seasonal sweet tropical fruit.
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