Ilocos Norte honors tourism stakeholders

By Freddie Lazaro 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) recently held a Tourism Gala at the Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort here and duly recognized individuals and groups behind the growth and expansion of the booming tourism industry in the province.

Provincial tourism officer Ianree Raquel said that individuals and groups behind the growth and expansion of the tourism industry were honored and awarded for the efforts.

Awardees were nominated by local government units (LGU) and were screened by the Office of the Governor, INTO and the Association of Tourism Officers of Ilocos Norte.

Awardees were grouped into ten categories: Hotels and Hospitality, Travel and Tour Operators, Attractions, Local Products, Restaurants, Festivals and Events, Transportation, Tourism Education, Event Venues and Tour Guides.

Among those recognized under the Local Products category was 92-year-old national living treasure Magdalena Gamayo of Pinili.