Ilocos Norte reclaimed the first place in the “Best Tourism-oriented Local Government Unit (LGU)” category of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines and Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards 2023 at the Boracay Newcoast in Aklan yesterday, October 5.
It first won the top award in 2018 and has three (3) runner-up finishes in the said category since 2016.
The Pearl Awards for Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines was part of the ATOP 24th National Convention, recognizing the efforts of LGUs towards the development of the country’s tourism industry.
Over the years, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, sustained its commitment to developing and implementing programs that aim to renew the local tourism industry by making Ilocos Norte a top travel choice while preserving the province’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Ilocos Norte’s entry focused on Gov. Marcos Manotoc’s initiatives toward making tourism an economic driving force by creating and providing livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs, strengthening international cultural partnerships, and promoting local talents and creatives.
The province’s “Lolita is IN” video campaign also bagged first place in the “Best Tourism Promotion Video” category.
The campaign follows the adventure of Lola Lolita as she embarks on a memorable journey of rediscovering joy, highlighting strong family ties and traditions while promoting the natural beauty and culture of Ilocos Norte.
The awards were accepted by Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Mr. Xavier Ruiz, Officer-in-Charge of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, and other employees of PGIN. (Edison Justin B. Deus)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Communications & Media Office)