Ilocos Norte holds tourism and business summit

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — Recognizing tourism as the biggest industry in the world, Ilocos Norte recently held a three-day convention dubbed as the “Northern Summit 2005.” Over 100 local and foreign delegates from the business, agriculture and tourism sectors gathered at the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel to discuss solutions to infrastructure and agricultural problems and how to attract investors to the province, thus further enhancing its tourism potentials.

With the constant increase of tourist arrivals in the province, Ilocos Norte is facing an imminent problem on hotel accommodation. "Right now, we only have one 5-star hotel, which is Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, six 3-star hotels and a bunch of pension houses scattered all over the province but it’s still not enough," said Ilocos Norte Governor Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr. "It is very difficult to book a hotel here during Chinese New Year, Holy Week and other long holidays. Unfortunately, we just can’t meet the demand."

To fill this void, the local government together with the Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine Ports Authority and the Air Transportation Office presented a line-up of infrastructure projects which are targeted to be finished by 2010. Among them are the Pagudpud-Bangui Eco-tourism Estate, a resort destination with up to 500 rooms and 250 condominium units; and the Laoag Tourism Time Zone, a sports recreation circuit; plus the rehabilitation of Currimao Port and the Laoag International Airport.

The conference also laid the foundation for micro to small entrepreneurs to learn more about the numerous investment opportunities available here. Representatives from both the government and local business sectors were on hand to answer queries about doing business in the province, including questions on taxation, government support, incentives for investors, licensing and other procedural aspects.

Among the resource speakers were Dr. Bernardo Villegas (senior vice president of University of Asia and the Pacific), who spoke about macroeconomics and globalization; Engr. Raul Hernandez (vice president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for quality, productivity and environment) who explained the importance of properly packaging products and other souvenir items for the same to be marketed and accepted worldwide; Jorge Judan (Commercial Attaché currently based in Beijing and Shanghai) discussed the special relationship between the Philippines and China and gave pointers on how to make the most of the various business opportunities available from both sides; and Samie Lim (vice president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for tourism, retailing and franchising) who presented pointers on how best to develop tourism in a particular area.

Gov. Marcos also disclosed the plan of China to set up a consulate in Laoag City as the Chinese is its major tourist market. "If the Chinese open a consulate here, that can only mean that they are taking Ilocos Norte seriously."

The signing of a memorandum of agreement regarding the opening of a Chinese consulate in Ilocos Norte was held during the recent visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to the Philippines last month. This was the first visit of a Chinese head of state to the country since 1996. The visit marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China way back in 1975, when China was far from being the super power that it is today.

"We have been getting a lot of support from the Chinese government, and we are truly grateful for that," added Gov. Marcos. An invitation to join the Trade and Tourism Expo in Beijing next month has already been extended to the province, as well as to the Twin Cities’ Tourism Conference in Shandong slated on Oct. 21 to 23.

Meanwhile, the delegates were also brought to Ilocos Norte’s various tourist attractions such as Museo Ilocos Norte, Paoay Church, Sarrat Church, Pagudpud, the sand dunes and Dap-ayan Ti Ilocos, a center featuring the various crafts and souvenir items from the different towns of the province.

And due to the overwhelming response, a second convention has been scheduled on Oct. 7 to 9.

Ilocos Norte, dubbed as the "Gateway to the North," is located on the northernmost edge of Western Luzon and is considered as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the country. At the Laoag International Airport are various exhibits of the different towns in the province, complete with a brief history of their culture and tradition, and mounted all over the province are signages in English with Chinese subtitles.

With its proximity to Mainland China, one can easily catch a flight from Laoag to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Kaoshiung. There are also regular domestic flights to Manila and Clark.