The Ilocos Norte provincial government is pushing for the establishment of direct flights from Laoag City to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for tourism and economic purposes.

In a media interview on Wednesday, provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said they are currently in the process of securing an agreement to market Ilocos Norte as a destination for travelers and business people from Taiwan.

“It has been a long and continuing effort since the administration of former Governor and now Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to entice more tourists and investors in the province by improving our transport connectivity,” Raquel said.

A direct flight from Kaohsiung International Airport to Laoag International Airport lasts around only an hour, making Taiwan an ideal market to entice tourists to visit Ilocos Norte, according to Raquel.

The Laoag International Airport used to receive Chinese and Taiwanese tourists on regular chartered flights from Guangzhou and Kaohsiung in the 90s and 2000s until it stopped in 2010 due to security threats and other factors.

Raquel said the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office has been strengthening its tourism network, particularly with local travel agencies, to ensure that Ilocos Norte is ready for the influx of visitors.

With a more stable trade and tourism market now under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Raquel said they are targeting the East Asia market in promoting Ilocos Norte for cultural and education exchange, and as an ideal destination for family and business trips. (PNA)