LAOAG CITY —A PHP4 Million worth Chinese garden overlooking the serene Paoay Lake breaks ground today in preparation for the influx of Chinese tourists set to visit this northern gateway of Luzon in time for the Chinese new year.
Funded by the Peoples Republic of China through its consulate office based in San Nicolas town, Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel said a formal ground breaking ceremony will be held at the garden site, near the Malacañang of the North at 3p.m. today, January 24.
According to Raquel, the Chinese government represented by its new Chinese consul in Ilocos Norte Li Yuecheng and Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos are expected to grace the ceremony, including other local officials here.
Raquel said the establishment of a Chinese garden will serve as an added attraction which could be considered as part of the travel itinerary of Chinese tourists once the new route of the leading cruise line in Asia Pacific, Star Cruises will arrive at the Currimao port.
By March, the three-decker SuperStar Virgo is set to ferry passengers from Hongkong en route to Manila, Laoag and Kaoshiung, Taiwan.
Aside from the Chinese garden, the provincial government is also coordinating with various hotel and restaurant owners to cater to the needs of Chinese tourists.
Since the establishment of a Chinese consulate office in the province in 2007, the Chinese government has maintained its friendly ties with the Ilocos Norte government particularly in the field of agriculture and tourism development. PNA – northboundasia.com