By Alec Go
The province of Ilocos Norte recorded a spike in the number of visitors during the Holy Week with about 325,000 day tourists during the long weekend.
According to Ilocos Norte Tourism, this is 43.53% up from the figures during the same period in 2022 and 81.28% more than the arrivals from the same period in 2019 or before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some establishments claim this to be their strongest yet with April 7 as its peak with over 80,000 day visitors,” the tourism office said.
It added that San Agustin Church in Paoay, Madongan Dam in Dingras, Bangui Windmills, and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos were the leading destinations with around 6,000 to 10,000 daily visitors during the Holy Week.
The Ilocos Norte Communications and Media Office also listed as among the key tourist spots the St. John the Baptist in Badoc, Malacañang of the North in Paoay, the La Milagrosa Cove and Chapel in Badoc, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, the Blue Lagoon Resort in Pagudpud, and the popular Paoay Sand Dunes.
The province has opened its doors since COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
Those who plan to tour the province can visit ilocosnorte.ph or message the Ilocos Norte Tourism’s Facebook page. – gb
