Laoag City—Ilocos Norte will be expecting around 1,500 tourism officers coming from different local government units (LGUs) in the country to attend this year’s Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) 20thnational convention on October 2 to 5.
According to Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) head Ianree Raquel, the province underwent an “extensive process” to be chosen as the venue of the annual national convention, explaining, “First, we signified our intent to host. There was a site inspection and interview presentation together with the tourism officers from the different municipalities.”
This would be the first time for the province to hold the biggest annual tourism convention in the country, and it will serve as an avenue for the different LGUs to exchange insights on best tourism practices.
Mr. Raquel added that INTO is still planning with the ATOP national board for the finalization of the program and list of speakers, as well as coordinating with local stakeholders regarding security measures and accommodation for the expected visitors.
“One of the highlights of ATOP National Convention is the Pearl Awards wherein LGUs with best tourism practices are recognized and this will be held in Paoay Church…Also, there will be immersion tours and we will be showcasing classic Ilocos Norte destinations as well as new and emerging destinations,” he said.
The convention is expected to boost economic activity and sales in the province as well as promote the major tourist destinations of Ilocos Norte.
In 2018, after winning as runner-up for two consecutive years, the province finally brought home the first-place trophy in the Best Tourism-Oriented LGU Category at the Pearl Awards. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)