DOT-10 says its biggest bike tourism event to date was the Camiguin Isle Bike Tour in 2023, which featured the 64-kilometer bike loop around the picturesque island province of Camiguin, with scenic pit stops at its renowned tourism spots. (Photo: PIA Camiguin)
CAMIGUIN (PIA) — The Department of Tourism Region 10 has announced its aim to attract hundreds of bike enthusiasts to join the Camiguin Island adventure, which the agency is hosting again this year.
“Our biggest bike tourism event to date was the Camiguin Isle Bike Tour in 2023, and this year, we will again be staging the same event, aiming to bring 300 bike tourists to the island,” DOT-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on July 9.
Since its inception during the Freedom Ride in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, in 2016, Bike NorthMin has been at the forefront of promoting bike tourism in the region. Spearheading this initiative, DOT-10 has continuously introduced innovative approaches to combine sports and wellness, drawing enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The recent bike tour featured the 64-kilometer bike loop around the picturesque island province of Camiguin, with scenic pit stops at its renowned tourism spots.
Melanie Galagala, 34, from Cagayan de Oro, who joined the Camiguin Isle Bike Tour in 2023, said the event is more than just a bike ride since it’s a chance to exercise, have fun, and bond with her office’s bike club.
“Sa mga mahiligon sa maong sports ug sa mga gusto mutry niini, worth the try. A must-try. It’s about hitting the balance between having fun and staying fit. Maayo kini dili lang sa pangkaugalingon, maayo pud kini sa lugar, sa atong mother Earth. It keeps us in harmony not just with the community we are in but also with the nature we are enjoying,” she said.
(To those who are fond of this sport and those who want to try it, it’s worth it. It’s about hitting the balance between having fun and staying fit. It is good not only for oneself but also for the place and our mother Earth. It keeps us in harmony, not just with the community we are in but also with the nature we are enjoying.)
Maria Victoria Jansol, a member of Camiguin’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan, shared that the event not only boosts tourism but also aligns with Camiguin’s branding campaign, showcasing its appeal as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
“This activity is part of the promotion sa branding nga (in our branding), ‘Camiguin Isle Be There,’ so I believe that this is one way of showing your support to us by bringing to Camiguin this enticing event,” Jansol said.
As preparations for the 2024 Camiguin Isle Bike Tour gear up, Unchuan noted the growing anticipation among participants and organizers, making it a highlight in the region’s sports and tourism calendar. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
