Ilocos Norte Gears Up Preparation For Tourist Influx This Summer

In preparation for the influx of tourists this summer, the Provincial Tourism Office is now busy making rounds of all government-owned and managed tourism facilities here for proper maintenance and repair.

Ianree Raquel, head of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) said that together with the Provincial Engineering Office, they have set plans in preparation for the usual surge of tourists this summer.

“Aside from preparing new activities, exhibitions, and events, we are conducting on-site inspections to check maintenance and repairs of the different sites. We need to be updated, ensure our public toilets are clean and functional, repaint and repair those needed to fix,” he added.

For 2015, the INTO has recorded over 1.7 million day visitors which usually surge during the months of April and May.

Ilocos Norte’s top destinations include the Marcos tourism trail which starts at the Malacañang of the north in Paoay, Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center in Batac City, Kapurpurawan Rocks formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte and the white sand beaches of Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

The majestic Paoay sand dunes with a cinematic natural landscape is also picking up with a total of 105,295 visitors from January to June last year, until it was temporarily stopped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office due to pending provincial ordinance meant to regulate and professionalize off-road driving operation.

Raquel said they are now coordinating with the 4×4 operators and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to finalize the rules and regulations and hopefully, resume the operation before the start of Holy Week.

“Due to long weekends, we are expecting a big volume this summer season. Usually, tourism influx starts during the Holy Week,” Raquel said.

Meanwhile, tourism-related businesses are also making necessary renovations and upgrading their facilities. (PNA) JMC/LGA