Camiguin Sees Thirty-Seven Percent Surge in Tourist Arrivals in 2025, Boosting its Domestic and Foreign Tourism Growth Despite Smart Tourism System Suspension

Published on January 8, 2026

In 2025, Camiguin saw a substantial growth in the number of tourist visitors with a percentage increase of 37.86%, amounting to 397,818 visitors, from the previous year’s 288,558 in 2024. The substantial growth in tourist visitors without proper collection of data indicates the popularity of Camiguin as a tourist spot. The province’s tourism industry has proved resilient despite the lack of the Smart Tourism system, an instrument used for the collection of data of tourist visitors, which is temporarily suspended amidst certain legal issues.

Challenges in Data Collection Due to Smart Tourism System Suspension

The Smart Tourism system, which utilized quick response (QR) codes to track visitors and distinguish between residents and tourists, was put on hold following a court-issued preliminary injunction. This injunction arose from a case challenging the Smart Tourism Ordinance, preventing the provincial government from using this advanced data tracking tool throughout 2025.

As a result, tourism tracking became more difficult, especially in accurately identifying tourists’ nationalities and distinguishing visitors from residents. Governor Romualdo acknowledged that despite the challenges, the Provincial Tourism Department was able to gather available data to assess the overall tourism trends.

“We were unable to use our Smart Travel system due to the preliminary injunction, which affected our ability to track detailed tourist data. Despite this, we still saw a significant rise in both domestic and international arrivals,” Romualdo said.

Domestic Tourism Growth Outpaces Foreign Arrivals

The compiled data, although less precise without the Smart Tourism system, revealed a robust tourism growth trajectory for Camiguin. Domestic tourist arrivals rose by 39.3%, signaling a strong interest from Filipino travelers. Meanwhile, foreign arrivals increased by 15.7%, underlining Camiguin’s continued appeal to the international market.

Despite the lack of detailed origin data, on-the-ground observations indicated a noticeable influx of European visitors, a trend that has been increasingly significant for the island’s tourism market. This growing interest from Europe speaks volumes about Camiguin’s global appeal, particularly in light of its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions that resonate with international tourists seeking authentic experiences.

Over 654,000 Passengers Through Camiguin’s Ports and Airport

In total, more than 654,000 people passed through Camiguin’s ports and airport in 2025, adding another layer of complexity to tourism tracking. The influx of travelers through multiple entry points highlighted the region’s connectivity and growing importance as a travel hub, despite the absence of a centralized tracking system.

The increased mobility of both local and international visitors reflects an upward trend in tourism, despite the challenges in data collection. As a result, tourism officials are optimistic about Camiguin’s future tourism growth and are committed to enhancing tracking mechanisms once the Smart Tourism system is operational again.

Future Tourism Growth: A Vision for Sustainability and Global Appeal

Looking ahead, Camiguin is poised for continued tourism growth, especially as the region expands its tourism infrastructure and makes strides in improving its data tracking capabilities. The success of domestic tourism, coupled with increasing foreign visitor numbers, demonstrates a promising future for Camiguin’s tourism industry.

To sustain this growth, the local government is focusing on the development of sustainable tourism practices and promoting Camiguin’s unique attractions, such as its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. As the global tourism market continues to recover, Camiguin is well-positioned to capitalize on its rising popularity, offering visitors a safe, authentic, and memorable experience.

In addition to improving its tourism tracking systems, the region is exploring partnerships and initiatives to further enhance its appeal to the European and Asian markets. With its growing reputation and continued focus on sustainable tourism, Camiguin is set to become one of the leading tourism destinations in the Philippines in the coming years.

Future Vision: Sustainable Growth and Regional Tourism Leadership

The long-term tourism growth vision for Camiguin is centered on sustainability and local empowerment. As part of its future strategy, the province aims to ensure that tourism continues to provide economic benefits to local communities while protecting the natural environment. By focusing on eco-tourism and low-impact tourism activities, Camiguin plans to grow its tourism sector while minimizing its ecological footprint.

In addition, Camiguin plans to become a regional leader in sustainable tourism, serving as a model for other provinces and islands within the Philippines. With the implementation of improved data collection systems and a stronger emphasis on sustainable practices, the region is well-positioned to attract both domestic and international travelers for years to come.

A Bright Future for Camiguin’s Tourism Sector

The phenomenal increase in tourist entries in the year 2025, in spite of difficulties in gathering information, is a testament to the appeal that the island has been exhibiting, as well as its tourism sector’s resilience. Already set for future successes, in line with sustainability and tourism innovation, Camiguin is also set to remain one of the most sought-after destinations by local and foreign tourists alike.

As the region continues to enhance its tourism facilities and data systems, it is assured that Camiguin will be one of the factors that will influence the future of the landscape of tourism in the Philippines. For Camiguin to remain successful, it needs to find a balance between growth, sustainability, and the ever-rising demand for genuine travel experiences.