PGLU-PGIN EMBARK PARTNERSHIP ON TOURISM MARKETING, PROMOTIONS
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Wendell B. Tangalin and Rizalde A. Buenaventura, PIO | Date: May 12, 2021
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and Gov. Matthew Joseph “MJ” Marcos Manotoc both representing their provinces sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the La Union-Ilocos Norte concept of tourism co-operative marketing dubbed as I’M IN LUv: Tourism Marketing and Promotions Partnership. It will be a strategic program geared for expanding networks and creating local government collaboration towards projecting an image for both tourism havens as safe and worthy travel destinations in the New Normal. The MOU signing took place on May 12, 2021 via video conferencing.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) embarked on a collaborative partnership on tourism marketing and promotions.
Dubbed as I’M IN LUv: Tourism Marketing and Promotions Partnership, the two provinces envision to explore the concept of tourism co-operative marketing. This will expand both provinces’ network of markets and clientele through an “in-market” partner. It will also reinforce Local Government collaboration and exchange of best practices along tourism promotions.
The virtual signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Provincial Governors Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, on May 12, 2021 via video conferencing. Officer-in-Charge of the La Union Provincial Tourism Office Arthur S. Cortez, Jr. and Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Officer Aianree B. Raquel served as witnesses to the signing.
In his message, Gov. Pacoy confirmed that the partnership will serve as an unequalled milestone in the tourism industry for both provinces where none have yet to venture. He said that it will also serve as a reminder that tourism and economic development in general are not matters of competition but of integration especially now that everyone is facing an unprecedented crisis in modern human history.
"I am confident that this partnership will strengthen the relationship between the Provinces of La Union and Ilocos Norte. This is the start of a greater collaboration as we also look forward to expanding further to other provinces in the region in the future," Gov. Pacoy stated.
Gov. Manotoc congratulated the Province of La Union for becoming the premier surf town of the country. He also said that they saw La Union as an ideal partner and the one they want to mimic in many ways and learn from.
“May we all make sure that this is a launch of a continued partnership between Ilocos Norte and La Union. We do this with the end goal of helping the people who so badly need a boost and the economic stimulus that they need – the people behind the tourism industry,” Gov. Manotoc further said.
Department of Tourism – Region 1 (DOT-RO1) Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega likewise assured the strong support and commitment of DOT-RO1 towards success in safely and responsibly revitalizing the tourism industry.
The I’m IN LUv Tourism Promotions and Marketing Partnership will be a strategic program geared for expanding networks and creating local government collaborations towards projecting an image for both tourism havens as safe and worthy travel destinations in the new normal.
