Tourism in the province of Pangasinan is “bouncing back” amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown restrictions, which are still very much in place, albeit in a less stricter manner.
“Compared to last Christmas that was full of sadness because of the pandemic, this year, we can already feel the reviving of joy and gladness in the province due to the discipline, sacrifice, and unity of the people against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19),” said Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III in a video message.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pangasinan is now down to 46 active cases as of December 20, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
When it comes to local tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently launched the bike trail tourism project in San Fabian that is seen to boost physical and mental health, as well as attract more domestic tourists as biking is seen as a safer activity for individuals or groups of friends.
DOT Ilocos regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega said bike trails in this part of town is the “most ready” for the new tourism product as it has existing routes complete with a bikers’ den.
The municipality of Bolinao, on the other hand, was recently awarded second place for its best tourism practice during the pandemic by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism in the annual Pearl Awards.
The town’s entry titled, “Mibangon Atamo (We Rise as One),” focused on the involvement of everybody to overcome the challenges brought about by the pandemic to tourism.
Since Pangasinan was placed under Alert Level 2 more than a month ago, the province has seen an increase in tourism arrivals, which is seen to continue until next year.