Ilocos Norte: Tourist arrivals in Ilocos Norte province had bounced back last year, surpassing figures from 2023 and even 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the provincial government on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, based on data from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO), the province recorded 4.3 million tourist arrivals in 2024, higher compared to the 3.5 million in 2023 and 3.8 million in 2019. The data showed that tourism revenues also rose by 16.9 percent or an estimated PHP10.4 billion. Of the total arrivals, about 75.2 percent were classified by the provincial government as "returning visitors" while the remaining 24.8 percent were first timers.

"With visitors returning in record numbers, Ilocos Norte exemplifies the resilience and strength of Philippine tourism. The future is brighter than ever," INTO said in a statement. Tourist arrivals based on accommodations also surged in 2024 with more than 532,000 visitors, or an increase of 19,000 visitors as compared to 513,000 in 2023.

"This growth in tourism shows the province's resilience and enduring appeal as a premier destination in the country," said Aianree Raquel, provincial tourism officer, during a recent business matching tourism presentation attended by balikbayans who were mostly from Hawaii in the United States. To lure more tourists, Raquel said the provincial government has three proposals -- make Ilocos Norte a retirement destination, make it a place for exchange of professional knowledge and further promote cultural tourism.

"There's a high demand for authentic experiences and Ilocos Norte has the best to offer," he said. Among the key destinations in the province, the pristine beaches and scenic landscapes of Saud and Balaoi in Pagudpud stood out as the most visited, followed by the Malaca±ang of the North in Paoay and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos.