ILOCOS NORTE TOURISM AWARDEE. National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo (center) is among the awardees during the first Ilocos Norte Tourism Awards on December 19, 2018. (Photo courtesy of PGIN)
LAOAG CITY—The Fort Ilocandia gardens shined the brightest on Wednesday night as it hosted 109 groups and individuals behind Ilocos Norte’s rapid tourism growth and development.
Organized by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) under the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the first ever tourism gala and awards night gathered the ‘stars’ of Ilocos Norte, as they were recognized for their pioneering efforts and outstanding contribution in the local tourism sector.
Composed of 10 categories including local products, festivals and events, tourism education, tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and venues, the selection criteria focused on the exemplary leadership in providing customer service satisfaction, boosting agricultural and eco-tourism, promoting innovations of Ilocano cuisine and local products; and generating local revenue for the province.
The recipients of the various awards were nominated by local government units (LGUs) and they underwent screening by the Office of the Governor, the INTO, and the Association of Tourism Officers of Ilocos Norte (ATOIN).
Leading the group of awardees on December 19 is 92-year-old National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo from the remote village of Lumbaan Bicbica in Pinili town, who was given a Tourism Star for Abel in recognition of her outstanding contribution in preserving the Abel Iluko weaving tradition in the province.
During the awarding ceremony, Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel expressed hopes that the program would foster an even stronger collaboration among tourism stakeholders here.
“May your innovation, leadership and commitment to the Ilocano brand of hospitality and tourism inspire others as we face more challenges brought about by our ever-growing industry,” Raquel said.
In time for the grand event, Ilocos Norte’s new tourism campaign was also launched, dubbed as “Ilocos Norte: I’m IN!” which succeeds the “Paoay Kumakaway!” tourism campaign in 2012.
INTO records show that from an average of 200,000 tourists that visit the province annually in 2012, approximately two million tourists now visit the province annually following an aggressive promotion of Ilocos Norte’s major tourism destinations and creation of events to attract tourists all year-round.
In his speech, Senior Provincial Board Member Matthew Joseph Manotoc also expressed his gratitude to all the awardees for their significant and active involvement in promoting Ilocano culture and boosting the tourism industry.
He added that the event was a sign of synergy and stronger partnership between the public and private sectors. He reminded the stakeholders to “strike a healthy ‘competition,” wherein they cooperate and compete. (PNA)
