The Provincial Tourism Development and Promotion Board announced Thursday the reopening of several tourist spots in Ilocos Sur after the suspension of all tourism activities due to last week’s strong earthquake.

Except for the Bantay Bell Tower, which sustained damage due to the magnitude 7 quake, as well as St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Church and the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Caridad de Bantay which remained closed until further notice, at least six tourists spots in Vigan City have resumed operation.

These include the frequently visited hidden garden, Crisologo Museum, the eastern part of Calle Crisologo, Baluarte Zoo, Ruby Jar factory, and Cristy’s loom weaving.

Other tourist spots such as the pinakbet farm, coco-surf point and Pagabelan ni Tinay in Caoayan, fish sanctuary, grotto, Moro watch tower, port adventure, La Sagada Montaña, landing site, and station of the cross in San Esteban, as well as the musical fountain in Narvacan are now also open.

“Please be guided accordingly,” said John Noel Mendoza Andaya, provincial tourism officer of Ilocos Sur, on Thursday as he reminded tourists to register at the tourism office prior to visiting the inspected sites that are now tagged, safe and secured.

Following the conduct of inspection and assessment of various tourism-related establishments, other attractions in the towns of Santiago, Magsingal, Salcedo, San Vicente, Sta. Maria, Nagbukel and Candon City have also resumed operations, according to the Provincial Tourism Office.

Among these are the Santiago Cove, Maps Rock, Vitalis Villas, Ichthus Beach Resort, Hermitania de Magsingal, Bakaan Farm and Resort, Salcedo Adventure Park, Bago Resort, St. Vincent Parish Church, First Kapilya, Palacio de Gobernador, Spanish Baldi, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church, Pinsal Falls, Bia-o Mangrove, Nagbukel view deck, Candon Eco tourism park, Darapidap baywalk, lighthouse, hanging bridge, Candon trade and Calamayan center among others have opened. (PNA)