“Visit Iloilo,” a private sector-led call to action that encourages tourism players in Iloilo to market the province, was formally launched on Monday.

Iloilo Festival Foundation Inc., under its president Allan Ryan Tan, is spearheading the campaign, together with the Iloilo MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Alliance and businesses like Megaworld, Ayala and SM, among others.

“It’s a call to action for everyone to visit Iloilo. We don’t need to explain much because the words itself visit Iloilo means come to Iloilo and experience Iloilo,” he said in an interview, adding that 50 tourism member establishments are already part of the campaign.

He added that accommodations for conventions and exhibitions are not a problem because the Iloilo Convention Center could cater to up to 4,000 delegates, depending on the setup.

There is also an addition of up to around 1,000 capacity with the reopening of the Grand Hotel and a minimum of 500 rooms of Belmont Hotel that will open this year.

He said they requested that airline companies study the possibility of increasing their flights, especially Manila to Iloilo flights.

“I’ve been talking to the marketing of Cebu Pacific earlier if they can resume our international flights. But as of the moment, they are prioritizing their spare aircraft for emergency uses,” he said.

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, said they hope that “Visit Iloilo” will be used in promoting businesses.

“We would like Iloilo to be brought to a global platform. We would like the grassroots to say, Visit Iloilo. This may just be a start, and this will be progressive. We will continue to mold how we can talk about Iloilo on a grander scale,” she said.

She said that while they already have a website, they are already creating an e-commerce platform where big and small businesses can participate.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed support for the project.

“We would like to Visit Iloilo because you know why? My heart already beats in Iloilo City. We are fun, foodie, friendly Iloilo province,” Defensor said.

“Iloilo City has thrived as a cultural and tourist hub for years in the Philippines. It’s a place where visitors keep coming back as they are captivated by our lively festivals and rich cultural heritage,” Treñas said.

He added that the recent investments in public spaces, alongside private sector initiatives expanding tourism activities and grander festivals, demonstrate a collective commitment to solidifying Iloilo City as a premier destination.

“The initiative not only promotes tourism but also encourages visitors to embrace responsible tourism through various practices such as preserving nature, respecting local cultures, and supporting conservation efforts and local economies,” DOT Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said. (PNA)