LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Ilocos Norte welcomed an estimated 1.6 million local and foreign tourists in 2015, a report from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) showed.
Tourist arrivals last year was 22.15 percent higher than in 2014, which was pegged at 1.2 million, INTO said.
The biggest number of tourists was recorded in April and May at 878,258. Many also visited the province when Malacañang declared a special non-working holiday during the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.
“Tourism has grown to a stunning 380.64 percent in the past two years,” Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said, adding that the tourism industry has been a “real job starter” in the province.
The provincial government launched Paoay Kumakaway in 2012, which resulted in more jobs, especially in the service sector.
“We often run out of bagnet (crispy fried pork belly) and inabel (loom-woven fabrics)... the demand outstrips supply. Visitors want to buy pasalubong for their friends and family and souvenirs for themselves,” Marcos said.