The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes Camiguin’s inclusion in The New York Times’ Top 52 places to visit in 2026, being the only Philippine destination to enter the list, thanks to its breathtaking mountains, beaches, and rich marine life.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that such recognitions reaffirm not only the country’s natural beauty but also the efforts of local communities and frontliners that enhance the overall tourism experience.
“This recognition by the New York Times affirms not only Camiguin’s extraordinary natural beauty, but also the tireless work of its people, its tourism frontliners, and the committed leadership of Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo and the provincial government in elevating Camiguin as a globally competitive destination,” Frasco said.
“The Department of Tourism is proud to work hand in hand with the local government of Camiguin to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to every community on the island.”
“The Department of Tourism is proud to work hand in hand with the local government of Camiguin and our DOT Region X team to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to every community on the island,” the tourism chief added.
The recognition comes at a ripe timing for Camiguin which recently introduced its “Isle Visit Camiguin 2026” campaign, noting nearly-finished developments set to attract more travelers on the volcanic island in 2026.
Specifically, the famed international publication included Camiguin in the roster due to infrastructure improvements that are expected to enhance the destination’s accessibility and tourism offerings.
“[T]o entice more visitors … a widening of the 40-mile road that encircles the island is nearly complete, and the island’s first boardwalk, on the beach in the main town of Mambajao, is set to open this year,” the article reads.
Meanwhile, Camiguin is also further reinforcing its status as a sports tourism destination, featuring a new triathlon lined up in May, among other swimming and running races.
In line with this, the DOT has intensified its efforts to promote the island’s dive offerings by hosting multiple events that reinforced Camiguin’s visibility to international markets.
Following a comprehensive mapping of the island’s dive sites in 2018, the DOT Region X office has already conducted three successful iterations of the Camiguin Dive Festival from 2023-2025.
In the pipeline, the DOT endorsed the construction of a multiplace hyperbaric chamber in Camiguin as part of the Department’s efforts to prioritize diver safety and medical emergency response for tourists in the island. This was made in partnership with the DOT’s infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Maximizing further the island’s geography, the regional office has also facilitated the arrival of the Coral Geographer Cruise ship in Camiguin for two consecutive years starting in 2024, allowing foreign visitors to discover the beauty of Camiguin and see the island province as an emerging cruise destination.
Moreover, an Isle Bike Tour was also organized from 2023-2024 for tourists up for an adventure around the 64-kilometer circumferential road of the island, giving the best view of Camiguin’s landscape.
Recently in May 2025, the regional office also mounted “Climb Camiguin”, an activity that provided tourists a chance to hike the island’s iconic Mt. Hibok Hibok while exploring its rich biodiversity and wildlife.
On top of the island’s water activities, tourists can visit Camiguin’s sunken cemetery, its famous hot and cold springs, eco farms, and even witness the signature Lanzones Festival.
These tourism offerings are complemented by the island’s vibrant local cuisine and cultural heritage sites. On top of the island’s water activities, tourists can visit Camiguin’s sunken cemetery, its famous hot and cold springs, eco farms, and even witness the signature Lanzones Festival.
While these improvements on tourist services and activities are rolling, the DOT and its regional office have also been busy in boosting tourism in Camiguin by promoting its destinations in multiple travel expos, including the Philippine Travel Mart, Central Philippines Travel Expo, Mindanao Tourism Expo, and the DOT Roadshow Taiwan.
The New York Times article positions Camiguin alongside powerhouse attractions such as Los Angeles, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Armenia, Iceland, Assisi, Warsaw, Melbourne, Bangkok, and Vietnam, among others.
