THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) said a total of 3.8 million domestic and foreign visitors have been logged this year in the north Luzon area as of Nov. 18, signaling the continuing revival of the local tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina G. Frasco, speaking during the recent North Luzon Travel Fair held in Clark, Pampanga, said she is confident that continued collaboration among industry players and promotional campaigns would sustain recovery.
“And while recently, we have reopened our country to international travel, I can see that we are well on our way to recovery because you are well on our way to the 9.6 million arrivals that you had in this side of the country prior to the pandemic,” Ms. Frasco said.
“The Philippines is ready to receive tourists and investments all over the world and North Luzon is ready to lead the way to light up the Northern Philippines,” she added.
The northern Luzon area covers four regions: Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera.
Ms. Frasco also reiterated that tourism is one of the government’s top priorities, adding that no region will be left behind in the development of the industry.
Several regions in central and southern Philippines also participated in the travel fair, which included business-to-consumer and business-to-business activities.
“Not only will we limit ourselves to the promotions of our sites, but most importantly we will ensure the institutional development of the entire industry by introducing changes by addressing gaps and most importantly by listening to the needs of the stakeholders,” Ms. Frasco said.
The DoT earlier reported that 2.025 million visitors have arrived in the Philippines as of Nov. 14, exceeding its 1.7 million tourist arrivals projection for 2022. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
