The month-long online travel sale in the province of Ilocos Norte famed for its crystal clear beaches, heritage sites and gastronomic treats is extended until May 19.
Offering more travel deals, discounts, and promos, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) is enticing more tourists of all ages to visit the province with eased travel protocols as long as they follow the updated guidelines for tourists.
“Various staycation packages, tour activities, and dining deals are available. Just go to www.ilocosnorte.ph and plan your trips ahead,” said INTO in a public advisory.
Guided by the acronym T-R-A-V-E-L safely and responsibly, the INTO earlier announced that only one test is required for tourists coming from areas under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine areas.
Interested tourists can book with discounted rates from participating hotels and tour operators through www.ilocosnorte.ph.
Since mid-March, tourism stakeholders in the province have started restoring tourists’ confidence to travel by initiating hyper local activities.
Records from the INTO showed that from over 4 million visitors in 2019, the province had only 7,800 visitors, most recorded in January and February 2020, while 608 came after the “travel bubble” was created.
According to provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel, the tourism industry lost around PHP17 billion in potential income in 2020 while 3,500 workers were displaced during the pandemic.
With government support, authorities here are hopeful the tourism industry will gradually get back on its feet amid the ongoing threat of the virus. (PNA)
