Ilocos Norte to prove more fun in its own turf via the 23rd Phil Travel Mart

LAOAG CITY, Aug.7–If you are thinking about taking a vacation or venue for your corporate affair,  Ilocos Norte welcomes you  as your destination.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the City of Laoag are joining the 23rdPhilippine Travel Mart (PTM) in Metro Manila to show that it is indeed more fun in this Ilocos province.
This annual event organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association with the Department of Tourism showcases the Philippines as a dream tourist destination. Travelers are  never short of options as tour operators and exhibitors present their tour products that “It is more fun in the Philippines
Xavier Ruiz of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Office said the PTM is a good venue where to present the province as a tourist destination.
“We hope to reach out to more people and invite them to visit Ilocos Norte and the City of Laoag,” he said.
At the PTM, there will be 4 travel agencies and 8 hotel representatives from the province who will be selling tour products to suit every traveler’s choice.
“We will present our ‘Paoay Kumakaway’ tourism campaign at the event. We will feature Ilocos Norte as a heritage, sports, eco-adventure destination,”  Ruiz said.
Ilocos Norte is among the top 10 tourist destinations in the country, known for its pristine beaches, rich culture and heritage, glorious food, water and land sports adventure, geological wonders and geographical location which can easily be reached by land and air.
Tourism is an engine of growth for local economies as it builds commerce, trade; creates livelihood and employment.
This year, in showcasing its products, the local government will present a “very corporate look” in the aesthetic design of its pavilion.
According to Ruiz, the province, together with the City of Laoag, has won 1st place in the PTM best booth competition in 2009 and 2010; and 2nd place last year.
The PTM will be held on August 10-12 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. (Carlo P. Canares/PIA)