By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
THE ILOCOS Norte government
wants to be better prepared this summer season to cater to the expected influx
of tourists to the province.
To address this, the
provincial government held a meeting with all tourism stakeholders in Ilocos
Norte on March 20 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.
Attended by hotel and resort
owners, tour operators, bakers and restaurant associations, local government
representatives and law enforcement officers, the meeting presided by Ilocos
Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos wanted to ensure that the province would
be ready for a huge number of visitors for this summer season.
Taking a cue from last years’
experience where tourism stakeholders here underestimated the number of tourist
arrivals resulting in insufficient food stocks served in various tourist
destinations here including the provision of clean toilets located in strategic
areas in the entire province.
“Ayaw natin na napapahiya [We don’t want to be embarrassed again] so
I am hopeful that we can do some improvements particularly in Pagudpud where
there had been reported complaints from tourists,” Ms. Marcos said during the
meeting.
With its neighboring
provinces’ aggressive tourism promotions such as in La Union as the surfing
capital, Ilocos Sur’s series of events and Cagayan’s seafood fest, Ms. Marcos
said, “It’s a healthy competition because it gives consumers much better
choices dahil isang punta lang nila sa
Norte, andami na nilang makikita. [they just have to travel to Northern
Philippines and they would have their fill of tourism destinations].”
The governor, however,
underscored that Ilocos Norte must hold its own by presenting cheaper, better
and newer products and experiences to consumers.
For the meantime, she said
the provincial government can help assist service providers in the province to
provide consumer satisfaction particularly in ensuring security and a full menu
of quality services for tourists such as having good communication signals,
interesting food selection and shopping alternatives, among others.
As of March, busloads of
tourists have been roaming around Ilocos Norte’s popular destinations: the St.
Augustine Church of Paoay, Kapurpurawan Rocks formation of Burgos, the windmills
of Bangui and the pristine beaches of Pagudpud including its newest heritage
trails and eco-cultural attractions covering the towns of Sarrat, Dingras and
Nueva Era in the eastern portion of the province.
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