New Laoag beach club set to impact Ilocos Norte tourism

Development brings growth prospects but raises economic concerns for locals.

A planned beachfront project could change the direction of tourism in Ilocos Norte, potentially transforming quiet coastal areas into large-scale commercial lifestyle destinations.

Megaworld Corp. is set to build a beach club within its 84-hectare Ilocandia Coastown township in Laoag City, with plans to transform a 1.4-kilometer coastline into a lifestyle hub featuring restaurants, retail spaces, and leisure facilities such as pools, fitness areas, and beachfront lounges.

The Ilocandia Beach Club project is part of broader efforts to position Laoag as a higher-end destination, tapping into its proximity to landmarks such as Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel and Paoay Church. This could bring in more tourists and increase visitor spending, especially as developers expand township-style projects beyond Metro Manila.

Growth vs. displacement

However, developments of this scale raise concerns among local communities, including rising land values and living costs, with small businesses potentially struggling to compete with larger commercial players. There are also questions about access, as privately managed beachfronts and amenities may limit public use, alongside possible environmental strain on coastal ecosystems.

With land development expected to begin next year, the project reflects the ongoing balance in regional tourism between economic opportunities and the social and environmental impact on host communities.