The local government here on Monday gathered stakeholders from the healthcare, tourism, government, and private sectors to explore the potential of health and wellness tourism as another strategic driver for Iloilo City.

In her message during the first Health and Wellness Tourism Conference, Mayor Raisa Treñas said tourism grows faster when there are quality health services available, as people choose to travel to places where they feel comfortable and well taken care of.

“Every time I go around the city, I can clearly see that Iloilo is already stepping into that role. We see new healthcare institutions coming in, well-known healthcare providers expanding,” she said.

She said that advanced technologies and machines, which could only be found in bigger cities, are already in the city.

“In fact, even years ago, Iloilo City was already trying and adopting new medical technologies, which means that we have been preparing for this moment for a long time,” Treñas said.

She urged officials of the Iloilo City Health and Wellness Tourism Council and its Technical Working Group to help in the implementation of programs on medical and wellness tourism.

Executive Assistant for Medical Tourism, Dr. Candice Tupas, said they hoped to reach 30 percent of the tourists who are looking for health and wellness services by 2030.

Tupas, who authored the proposed Medical Tourism Ordinance during her last term in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council), said doctors across the city cater to patients from all over Panay and balikbayans who chose Iloilo City because of the good services and facilities.

“Medical tourism involves traveling to another country for medical care, cost-effective options, higher quality of treatments, and encompasses a wide range of services. Meanwhile, wellness tourism is proactive and focuses on improving and maintaining health. It includes yoga retreats, spa visits, and holistic health experiences,” she said. (PNA)