ASSESSING THE RISK OF ILOCOS TOUR: BASIS FOR PROPOSE IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY & SECURITY

Abstract

The Ilocos region, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, has produced numerous nationally recognized artists, including Isabel de los Reyes, Juan Luna, and Carlos Bulosan. It is also home to notable figures such as Severino Montano, a National Artist for Theatre, and Lucrecia Kasilag, both honored in 2001.

As tourism in Ilocos continues to grow, it plays a vital role in boosting economic development. However, the increasing influx of visitors also brings safety concerns, including road accidents, extreme weather conditions, water-related hazards, and health risks. This study aims to assess these potential risks and explore effective strategies to enhance tourist safety and security in the region. This study will employ a mixed-methods research approach, allowing researchers to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of safety concerns in Ilocos tourism. Additionally, the study will examine the strategies employed by tourism industry stakeholders to mitigate these risks.

To gather numerical data, the researchers will conduct surveys among visitors to Ilocos. The survey will identify the most common safety hazards encountered during their travels, including risks related to extreme weather conditions, water incidents, traffic accidents, and health issues. Statistical analysis will be used to determine the prevalence of these risks and identify recurring patterns or trends. 1.1 Road Accidents

The survey results indicate that respondents are very concerned about their safety regarding road accidents. The composite mean score of 2.12 reflects a high level of concern, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in Ilocos to prevent such incidents. The total weighted mean (WM) of 2.16 further supports this finding.

1.2 Extreme Weather Conditions

Similarly, respondents expressed significant concern about extreme weather conditions affecting their safety. The composite mean score of 2.09 highlights the importance of implementing precautionary measures to safeguard tourists from weather-related risks. Tourism in Ilocos has been on the rise in recent years, playing a crucial role in the region's economic growth. However, with the increasing number of tourists, concerns over safety risks have also grown among tourism stakeholders. Key risks include road accidents, extreme weather conditions, water-related hazards, and health issues, all of which may impact the well-being of visitors during their stay in Ilocos. Addressing these concerns is essential to ensuring a safer and more secure travel experience.