Ilocos norte: In an effort to attract visitors during Holy Week, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) revealed on Wednesday that complimentary tours will be provided on April 2 and 4, 2026. These tours will cover significant pilgrimage sites and tourist landmarks across the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Tourism Officer Aianree Raquel confirmed that the free tours will include transportation, entrance fees to tourist facilities operated by the provincial government, and guided tours. However, he clarified that meals, fees for other attractions, and personal expenses are not included in the service.

The tours are scheduled to commence on Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 9 a.m., with preregistered passengers having the option to choose between northern or southern tour routes on the specified dates.

The northern tour will take visitors to attractions such as the Bacarra Church and museum, Burgos lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Bangui windmills, and Saud Beach in Pagudpud. Meanwhile, the southern tour will explore destinations including the Malacanang of the North, Paoay Church, Marcos Presidential Center, Batac Riverside Empanada, Badoc Basilica, La Virgen Milagrosa Cove, Ilocos Norte Waterpark, and the Paoay sand dunes.

Raquel emphasized that the free tour initiative is part of the provincial government's strategy to increase tourist arrivals in Ilocos Norte and provide affordable vacation options amid ongoing economic challenges. "We are already expecting a lower turnout for visitors, to be honest, but we are doing this to help out the tourism sector," he stated.