Gov. Imee Marcos has asked stakeholders to render a first-rate service to all domestic and foreign tourists who are visiting Ilocos Norte.
In a recent meeting, Governor Marcos had requested the local hotel and beach resort owners, tour operators, bakers and restaurant managers, local government representatives and law enforcement officers to extend very satisfactory services to all visiting tourists.
“Ayaw natin na napapahiya (we don’t want to be embarrassed) so I am hopeful that we can do some improvements in our services,” Marcos said.
“As much as possible, there must be sufficient food to be served and good services shall be rendered to avoid hearing any kind of complaints,” she said.
It may be noted that the provincial government had earlier made massive preparations to improve tourism services this summer season.
To augment workforce, for instance, the Provincial Tourism Office hired some 200 summer youth workers to serve as nursing aides, tourist center officers, utility workers and tourist guides.
The province also ensured security and basic amenities for tourists such as good communication signals, interesting food selection and shopping alternatives for consumer satisfaction.
“It is very important that Ilocos Norte must have its own distinct identity by presenting cheaper, better and newer products and experiences to consumers,” Marcos said.
Record shows that since the debut of its tourism slogan “Paoay Kumakaway” (Waving Paoay), Ilocos Norte drew a huge number of tourist arrivals totaling to over half a million in summer of 2012.
Compared to neighboring provinces’ aggressive tourism promotions such as La Union’s surfing tourney, Ilocos Sur’s series of cultural events and Cagayan’s seafood fest, Marcos said the province’s tourism industry here offers more fun and exciting experience.
“It’s a healthy competition because we give tourists and consumers much better choices dahil isang punta lang nila sa Ilocos Norte, andami na nilang makikita, Marcos said. (CHERRY JOY S. DISCAYA)
