SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) —The Ilocos Region is set to become a major tourism destination under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, focusing on three key strategies: connectivity, convenience, and equality.
The pillars aim to make the region’s tourism industry more accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive for both local and international visitors.
The NTDP envisions a tourism sector rooted in Filipino culture and identity, aiming to position the Philippines as a sustainable, resilient, and competitive tourism powerhouse in Asia.
Evangeline M. Dadat, Officer-in-Charge Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I, highlighted this forward-thinking approach.
“Outlining a vision to position the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, that is sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive Philippine Tourism industry,” she said.
Connectivity
The NTDP emphasizes improving transportation and digital networks to make it easier for tourists to reach and explore destinations.
In the Ilocos Region, this includes enhancing airports, seaports, highways, and expressways, as well as boosting digital connectivity for seamless travel experiences.
Convenience
To enhance the overall tourist experience, the plan advocates for cohesive digitalization and connectivity.
This involves implementing digital payment platforms and utilizing tools like Google Maps to legitimize establishments and provide easier access to their locations.
Equality
The NTDP aims to distribute the benefits of tourism across all regions by promoting both established and emerging destinations.
In the Ilocos Region, this strategy focuses on clustering various tourism facilities across its four provinces and developing unique tourism products.
This approach ensures that every area, regardless of its current popularity, has the opportunity to benefit from tourism growth.
Dadat also focused on enhancing the overall tourism experience by offering visitors a wider range of options and the rewards of a thriving tourism sector.
“By diversifying our tourism offerings and promoting both established and emerging destinations. We aim to ensure every region reaps the benefits of a robust and inclusive tourism economy,” she said.
By concentrating on connectivity, convenience, and equality, the region aims to offer a more enriching and sustainable tourism experience, ensuring that the advantages of tourism development are shared by all. (CCMT/MTDA, PIA Ilocos Norte)
