MANILA, Philippines - Pangasinan has outpaced Ilocos Norte to take the lead in tourism growth in Region 1.
Results of a Department of Tourism (DOT) study showed that Pangasinan registered a 41.47 percent increase in tourist arrivals over the past year, unseating erstwhile leader Ilocos Norte, which had 35.64 percent.
DOT records showed that over 7,500 visitors arrived during the period, plus more than 18,000 excursionists from various private and public schools, including state colleges and universities who availed themselves of the guided tour services being extended by the provincial government.
Two years ago, Pangasinan was at the tail-end of the race.
Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. hailed this achievement, saying their efforts in vigorously pushing tourism development in the province paid off handsomely.
Espino vowed that tourism growth, along with other development thrusts of his administration, would be sustained with the view to achieving their vision of the “Golden Age of Pangasinan.”
Among such undertakings was the strengthening of the Tour Assistance Program that provides guided tours for guests.
The provincial tourism office has been conducting seminars for tour guides, resulting in the increase of accredited tour guides from only one to seven as of this year. In addition, 18 provincial employees help out as tour guides.
The provincial government has also acquired six shuttle buses that provide not only free rides for the Capitol employees, but also for ecotourism purposes, thus adding extra mileage to the government’s tourism drive.
Among the key visitor attractions are the refurbished Capitol building itself, the rehabilitated Kalantiao, Malong and Finance building, and the enhanced Veterans Park and Lingayen beach.
The Capital Resort was also spruced up in anticipation of heightened activities, including the official functions of the provincial government and private organizations.
The Espino administration is also eyeing the development of a 300-hectare property at the northwestern part of Lingayen into a major ecotourism zone.