LAOAG CITY – In preparation for the upcoming Ilocos Norte's Himala sa Buhangin Festival, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) will offer Laoag-Cebu special flights on May 12 and May 15.
The offer is also a promotional way to also boost the regular scheduling of the route at the Laoag International Airport (LIA).
The support of Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the joint efforts of Metro Ilocos Norte Council and the Provincial Tourism Office (INTO) have made the partnership with PAL possible.
Along with the resumption of Cebu Pacific's operation of its Manila-Laoag flights at LIA, the partnership marks another step towards strengthening the province's economy by sustaining the Ilocos Norte's travel and tourism industry.
With the scheduled special flights at LIA, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) is anticipating more visitors to experience the Himala sa Buhangin, a music and arts festival set on the Paoay Sand Dunes and one of the highlights of the fiesta celebration.
Gov. Manotoc expressed his anticipation for more airlines to start flights at LIA, saying: “We hope that more airlines will follow suit as we continue to work together to revitalize our economy and bring back the vibrancy of Ilocos Norte's tourism sector."
In a report from the Communications and Media Office of Ilocos Norte, the INTO had earlier coordinated with tourism-oriented agencies in Cebu province, including local government units, for initial planning. It also invited local officials and key employees to attend the Himala and the inauguration of the special flights.
Through successful collaboration with transportation companies such as Cebu Pacific and PAL, Ilocos Norte is expected to carve its place as one of the premier destinations in the country.