What are the latest programs of the Iloilo Tourism Board?
The Iloilo City Tourism Development Office will be launching the Iloilo MICE Program in partnership with the Department of Tourism. The program will make Iloilo one of the major MICE destinations in the country. The program will be launched in October 2019. The city government is introducing new innovations in its festival. It has partnered with a new foundation, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, in managing the Dinagyang festival and to support other festivals of Iloilo City. In our mission to be inclusive, the Iloilo City Tourism is also actively promoting local products made by the Lanit Ati Community, an organization of indigenous people in the city.

Which beaches are the most popular destinations for tourists in Iloilo right now?
When visiting Iloilo City, some tourists make it an effort to visit the northern part of Iloilo, which is the location of some of the underdeveloped beaches of the province, making these the best places to see the raw beauty of nature and appreciate the simple things in life, like the white sands and clear blue waters. Most tourists head to Islas de Gigantes and the Concepcion Islands to experience the activities and the calm atmosphere these islands has to offer.

Aside from the traditional sites, have you been able to identify and add new destinations for culture enthusiasts?
Iloilo City has currently opened the country’s first-ever Museum of Philippine Economic History, located at the historical Ynchausti y Compañia building which is also a historical landmark. This building was owned by the family who founded Tanduay. Private companies have also helped Iloilo become a better tourist destination such as Megaworld, Ayala and Vista Land because they have built townships in the city for locals and tourists to enjoy. Iloilo Business Park is one of the projects of Megaworld. IBP is a place where you can appreciate history, culture and art in a new perspective.

What are your plans in promoting the cuisine of Iloilo?
What Ilonggos have in common is the love for food. Batchoy, pancit molo and KBL (beef stew composed of kadios, baboy [pork] and langka [jackfruit]) are among the famous Ilonggo dishes that tourists look forward to getting their hands on. The constant innovation for food is a trait that the Ilonggo palette likes to explore. Part of the City Tourism Development Plan is to further develop the Culinary Tourism of Iloilo. We will identify top culinary dishes and locations, develop and integrate a culinary tourism circuit into tour packages, and document and maintain heritage cuisines.

What are the factors that contributed to the increase of arrivals?
Due to festivals, in the previous years, the peak of tourist arrivals was from January to February but in 2018, the peak months were April, November, and December. In conclusion, Iloilo City is not only famous for its festivals because beyond that we offer excellent venues for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (Mice)

What are the popular activities that tourists engage into here in Iloilo?
Iloilo City is proud of the festivals held all year round. We have the famous Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta, and this year, Kasadyahan will have its own glory. Kasadyahan used to come a day before the Dinagyang, but this time the event synchronizes with the Charter Day of Iloilo City.

Can you talk a little bit about Iloilo as a MICE destination?
We are currently building Iloilo to be the ultimate MICE destination and we are taking it step by step. We have recently conducted an Iloilo City MICE Forum and Stakeholders’ Workshop which we believe will prepare Iloilo to become one of the best MICE destinations, since there are already existing investors and establishments that cater to big activities and events. There are still upcoming projects that are on the works for Iloilo to be recognized as a great MICE destination.

Are there traditional villages that you can recommend for tourists to visit?
Lanit, Jaro is one of the places where you can interact with the Indigenous People of the City. You can help their livelihood by buying the products they make. This was where the last participants of SIGA (Sseayp International Assembly) had interaction and activities with the Ati community. The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) is an annual cultural exchange program that started in 1974.

What steps have you taken to make tourism sustainable?
Sustainable tourism is among the DOT’s top priority, the City is one with DOT on this. When it comes to sustainability, we make sure that we consider three points: environmental, economic, and socio-cultural. We have to protect the environment. The target of being a premier MICE destination is one of the economical sustainable tourism goals that we are planning. A roadmap of rural-urban connectivity for sustainable and inclusive development of Iloilo City has been established for this.

What are the goals of your office for the next five years?
In the next five years, Iloilo City is planning to intensify transport infrastructure development through encouraging investments of five star and/or premium accommodation facilities, and environmental infrastructures, establishment of community based tourism enterprise, and the integration and maintenance of heritage zones, plazas and monuments. Another goal for us is to pursue travel facilitation by promoting connectivity to key growth areas, for international and domestic destinations. Other plans are on its way, including the development and promotion of sports tourism and medical tourism.

Please tell us about the very latest adventures and experiences Iloilo has to offer.
The City has currently launched the Iloilo City Walking Tour where you will be able to learn about our culture, and how Iloilo was a historic center of business and trade. Here are the activities you would want to try: eat Batchoy at the La Paz Public Market, take a stroll at the Esplanade, drink a cup of Tablea at Camiña Balay Nga Bato, take that walking heritage Tour Downtown, spend the afternoon at the Molo Mansion while having Blueternate Ice Cream, go out of town to visit Islas De Gigantes, have lunch and/or inner at Tatoy’s or Breakthrough, and visit the Island of Guimaras

Any closing words?
There are plenty of things to do in Iloilo City and it’s time for you to have your visit.