TOURISM

January to December 2017

A visit to Iloilo is a complete adventure of the senses. From its rich historical heritage, captivating natural landscapes and seascapes to its exciting festivals and sumptuous food feasts, Iloilo gives guests unforgettable experiences and Ilonggos a way of showcasing local pride.

highlights

Features stunning beaches and tropical islands, including Cabugao Gamay hailed by Forbes as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Vast collection of century-old churches recognized by the National Historical Institute of the Philippine government, to include the Miag-ao Church a Baroque-style, Spanish-era structure declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home of Philippines’ best tourism event, the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is one of Fest300’s best festivals in the world as it draws millions of people to celebrate the Feast of the Child Jesus and is renowned for its artistry, colorful display, and extraordinary experiences.
A major player in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibit (M.I.C.E.) destination, Iloilo is attracting national conventions and international summits of the prestigious Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2015 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2017.
Direct flights to key cities in Asia specifically Hong Kong and Singapore, and the Philippines – Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Puerto Princesa, and General Santos.

tourism in numbers

Tourist Arrivals January to December 2017	Philippine Residents	Non-Philippine Residents (Foreign and Filipino Overseas Residents)	Total Tourism Receipts Generated
City	1,047,406	29,570	Php 19.8 Billion
Province	305,318	5,560	Php 5.6 Billion

Source: Department of Tourism Region VI, 2018

Ati tribe dancer during Dinagyang Festival.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miag-ao Church or the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church.

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Cabugao Gamay Island in Carles, Iloilo.

The Iloilo Convention Center.

Festivals

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival (4th Weekend of January) is the grandest and most colorful festival in the Philippines.
Paraw Regatta Festival is the oldest traditional craft event sailing competition in Asia.
The Chinese New Year celebration in Iloilo is one of the biggest in the country and is organized in solidarity with the local Chinese community.
To advocate a healthy way of life and show-off Iloilo City as a bike-friendly and walkable city, the Bike Festival is held every March.
Attracting rowing athletes and enthusiasts all over the country, the Dragon Boat Festival is held at the middle of the year.

Landscapes and Seascapes

Development of Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo by Ayala Land is guaranteed to make Iloilo a premier tourist destination in the world.
Tourists and locals enjoy the unspoiled beaches of Gigantes Islands, Cabugao Gamay, and Tangke Lagoon.
Adventure campers and hikers indulge in the challenging rugged trails in the mountains of Igbaras and Bucari in Leon.
Home to over 30 caves and serves as living museum for flora and fauna, Bulabog Putian National Park, the only one in Western Visayas, draws caving enthusiasts and biologists to marvel at its diverse ecosystems.

Heritage Sites

Remnants of Iloilo’s glorious past are still evident in the iconic-imagery of the well-preserved structures and heritage houses.
Old homes of well-known Ilonggos like the Nelly Garden Mansion, Boat House, and Casa Mariquit of the Lopezes, the Antillan house of the Montinolas, the Camina Balay na Bato of the Melocoton-Avancena clan, remain preserved and open to organized tours.
Century old churches such as the Jaro Cathedral (the National Shrine of the Lady of Candles); Molo Church; and the Miagao Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) continue to attract pilgrims and devotees.
Turn of the century commercial buildings in down town Iloilo City-Calle Real are still being utilized by local businesses. Because of restoration initiatives of the private sector, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines has declared Calle Real as a heritage zone and historical landmark.

Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events (M.I.C.E.) Industry

Iloilo has become a choice destination for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and events with the improvement and increase of facilities, hotel rooms, specialty restaurants, and retail chains.
The establishment of the Iloilo Convention Center plays a major role in attracting these events because of its world-class amenities and facilities.
The influx of events being held in Iloilo City push the accommodations to increase and the hotel room capacity grew to 3,432.

Food Feasts

The growing number of home grown restaurants and popular chains are testament to Ilonggo’s love for quality cuisine and comfort food.
Tourists make it a point to indulge in Ilonggo’s favorite comfort food – Batchoy, Roberto’s Siopao, Pancit Molo and other local delicacies to complete their Iloilo experience.
Baked cookies and pastries such as barquillos, butterscotch, biscocho; artisan crafts such as Hablon products; and dried goods are favorite “pasalubong” or take home gifts of tourists.
Food festivals organized by hotel and restaurant associations during major tourism events showcase the best of Ilonggo cuisine.