Vigan passport reward system to lure more tourists

PASAPORTE DE TURISTA -- This booklet is now available for tourists visiting Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and allows them to earn points which they could exchange for discounts and freebies. The official grand launch for the "tourist passport" was held April 28, 2023. 

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – Itching to visit the heritage city of Vigan in the northern Philippines and earn rewards at the same time?
    The city government launched Ciudad de Vigan Pasaporte de Turista or Vigan Tourist Passport on April 28 to entice more visitors and help local businesses thrive post-pandemic.
    By purchasing the booklet designed like a passport, the holder is entitled to earn points while checking in hotels or accommodation centers or when purchasing goods and services.
    The points can later be redeemed to get special discounts and freebies from participating tourism establishments.
    "The tourism passport aims to promote the rich cultural history of Vigan while supporting local businesses. Visitors can get a special stamp on their passport with equivalent points to earn rewards,” Mayor Bonito Singson said in an interview on Tuesday.
    Prior to the grand launch which will coincide with the city’s Binatbatan Festival, the Vigan Tourism Passport is now available at designated booths or online for an affordable price.
    The booklet comes with locally-made products like Vigan longganisa, bagnet, Abel Iloko products, or mini burnay jars among other novelty items.
    Printed in the Vigan passport is a brief history of Vigan and the iconic landmarks the heritage city is known for.
    A QR (quick response) code is also available to guide visitors to the city’s key destinations.
    In pre-pandemic times, the UNESCO World Heritage site is among the country's most popular tourist destinations, known for its well-preserved Spanish-era architecture. -- PNA