The Ilocanos’ rich culture, innovative products, and creative talents take center stage at the tourism event aimed to entice more tourists to this premiere destination of the north.

On Wednesday, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos graced the opening of the booths participated by 13 exhibitors showcasing best products and services at the Laoag City Multi-Purpose Center.

The exhibit is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until Friday, Sept. 27.

Laoag City tourism officer Angel Lao, in her speech during the opening ceremony, said the event “aims to foster a deeper appreciation for an industry that creates jobs, boosts the local economy, conserves the environment, preserves cultural assets and traditions, reduces poverty and inequality, and helps heal the wounds of conflict.”

A tourism symposium and familiarization tour to the newly-unveiled Spanish-era watchtower of Gabu Sur and the process called “panagdapil” (traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane) in Barangay Bacsil was also attended by over a hundred participants.

More than an industry, Lao said tourism has become a beacon of light and hope for residents, transforming communities for the better.

For one, villagers from Bacsil have become more innovative in their sugarcane products and are now offering vinegar and molasses since the traditional process of extracting sugarcane juice is now being showcased to tourists.

With skills trainings sponsored by the government, some of the villagers have become community guides to tourists while others are now into processing banana chips packed in three flavors — plain, honey, and barbecue.

The sugarcane processors have added achara (pickled grated papaya) and spicy vinegar as offering for customers.

The city government has also initiated the first Laoag City Shine Awards in recognition of outstanding tourism stakeholders who played a vital role in boosting the local tourism industry.

Among the awardees are the “kutseros” (drivers of horse-drawn carriages), tour guides, and hotel and restaurant owners who have contributed to overall tourists’ satisfaction while in the city.

“I am grateful for the people behind me who helped and inspired me to become a tour guide. It is a rewarding experience because of financial freedom. I can go to different places for free and I get to meet people from all over the world,” said Karen Lucas, one of the most in-demand tour guides in the city who is among the awardees on Wednesday afternoon.

As capital city, tourism has become a major economic driver for Laoag and continues to pave the way for new commercial establishments and infrastructure development. (PNA)