By Justine Wynn V. Edu and Miriam Adonica V. Yalao, PIA1-Ilocos Norte
CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte ― The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte prepares for the return trip of the Super Star Virgo ship of Star Cruises that is set to arrive at the Currimao Sea Ports in December 2017.
Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel revealed this as he announced that the cruise ship is scheduled to sail off again to the province after its successful two-month operation from March to May this year.
Raquel said that the cruise’s operation, which docketed off Currimao sea port once in every five days for two months, had boosted the tourism industry of the province.
“Because of the cruise’s visit here in Ilocos Norte, tourists including famous artists, beauty queens and other celebrities toured our historical places and experienced Ilocano Culture,” Raquel said.
Raquel expressed his appreciation not only to the two main agencies that handled the cruise ship visit, but also the various sectors that helped them in the success of the operation.
“It’s not only the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) which are to be acknowledged, the private sector and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Currimao also contributed a lot to this success,” he added.
Preparation of the provincial government includes the improvement and increase of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) located near the ports.
“Residents near the sea ports will have the opportunity to put up more souvenir or local goods shops. This will encourage locals and tourists to purchase our very own products in the province,” he said.
Another step for the preparation is added local transportation, which the tourists could use to tour around the province.
“We will also add public vehicles at the port that will serve as transportation,” said Raquel. (Justine Wynn V. Edu and Miriam Adonica V. Yalao, PIA1-Ilocos Norte)
Photo credits: www.update.ph
