Ilocos Norte receives global ‘safe travel’ stamp

Several tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte, such as its famed dunes, are slowly reopening as residents have been allowed to tour around the province starting Sept 15. (Photo by Willie Lomibao)

LAOAG CITY—The tourism industry in Ilocos Norte has been granted a “safe travel” stamp by the World Tourism Council and the Department of Tourism (DOT), local officials said Wednesday.

The safe travel stamp is awarded to governments and businesses that adopt global health standard protocols to ensure the safety and health of travelers, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOT said.

A certification signed by DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat found Ilocos Norte’s tourism industry “compliant with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s safe travel protocols and core requirements.”

According to the Ilocos Norte tourism office (INTO), the province is the first recipient of the stamp in the country.

The certification came as the province reopened Wednesday several of its tourist destinations to local tourists as a step to recover its losses due to the pandemic.

“The stamp solidifies [the province’s] pride as a safe and fun destination and a big boost to the tourism sector on its quest to full recovery,” according to INTO.

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