EDITORIAL

Tourism: a promising industry in Ilocos Sur

With the threatening peace and order situation in the southern part of the country and espousing the upsurge of a dreaded SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in other Asian countries, the tourism industry is greatly affected. This was prompting the provinces in other parts of the country to individually develop their own tourist   destinations to withhold their visitors and earn an income.

Fortunately, Ilocos Sur has great potential tourist spots. These various tourist destinations in the province are presently being massively promoted here and abroad. Thus, this has gained a positive impact, which is responsible to the growing number of tourists, local and foreign alike.

Apart of the tourism industry in the province, we have the Eco-histourism, the pilgrimage tourism and the Ilocoves tourism. With the good number of destinations in Ilocos Sur, the province has been the best alternative north of the Philippines.

For Eco-histourism, Ilocos Sur has a lot of significant ancient historical sites which are popularly known to be erected during the Spanish  and Japanese eras. During the Spanish period, numerous edifices and structures were constructed which include the Ciudad Fernandina (now Vigan City) being the second oldest city during that point in history, and the establishment of Baroque Church in Sta. Maria and other churches found in varous towns around the province. Ciudad Fernandina and the Sta. Maria Church were inscribed in the prestigious list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO; the former being the only Heritage City in the Philippines and the latter as one of the few existing baroque churches respectively. Aside from Sta. Maria Church, there are also other churches, which are not only attractive but also caters to visitors especially devotees during pilgrimages.

For the Ilocoves tourism, the province has so many coves and beaches of aesthetic sceneries like the Boracay of the North in Pug-os, Cabugao, the coves found in Santiago, San Esteban, Santa Maria, San Juan and Sinait.

Majority of the earnings in the tourism industry in the province come from delicacies, souvenirs, and other goods produced locally. Other sources of income are those, which are generated in hotels, restaurants and other establishments in general.

Now, Ilocos Sur is enlisted as one of the best alternative tourist destinations and this is attributed to the active cooperation and participation of local officials and employees of the different local government offices and organizations in the province.

- Gov. DV Savellano