World Tourism Organization definition of Tourism
"Tourism is the temporary (for not more than one consecutive year) , short-term movement (
travel) of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work (outside their usual environment ) and their activities during the stay at each destination for leisure, business and other purposes.
Like its people , Iloilo as a place silently hides its beauty
The provinces as first choice is Cebu , Puerto Princesa , Tagbilaran and Tagaytay . It's quite common you can see the redhead their places. Government or company meetings are purposively hold in these area. The fact is , topographically , Iloilo is a lot beautiful compare to Cebu , Puerto Princesa , Tagbilaran and Tagaytay . It has greater strategic plains for a better view of its mountain ranges . Iloilo has more untapped pristine beaches , caves , flora , fauna and historic places you cannot find in Cebu , Puerto Princesa , Tagbilaran and Tagaytay. It's road networks in the both in city and province is better paved compare to these areas , moreover its airport .
Common mindset
What are things to expect about the mind of Ilongo about tourism?
The orientation of Ilongo about tourism is not yet full-blown or precisely , it reflects their innate characteristics , the composure of not showing off what they got.
Mostly , ilongos earn a living through either agriculture , local jobs and overseas jobs , they have developed a notion considering tourism will not do them any good. This popular belief dominates Ilongo society in general from simpleton folks to the professors or government employees.
Tourism-Enthusiast and Free Thinkers
There arise the dominant view of Ilongo soceity among the young urban profesionals and free thinkers about potential of Iloilo for tourism like combination of leisure , medical , shopping tourism . Iloilo government should start to aggresively promote the local tourism with good prospect of benifits on the socio-economics of Iloilo.
A challenge for Iloilo Government on Tourism
Many people mistook the number of passengers of Ilongo in Airlines (being 4th busiest airport in the country) , suggest that tourism industry is alive in Iloilo. However , the government is aware that these flights of passengers are commonly government official business , overseas foreign workers and private company business. The only surge of bona fide tourist are during the " Dinagyang Festival" in third week of January each year where hotels are fully occupied. Dinagyang is one shot-deal and self-limited . You cannot tell people to catch a plane just to see Miag-ao Church
Regional Office of Department of Tourism ( DOT) is the lead agency for tourism promotion . for decades have the identified tourist spot and promoting them and sustain the industry for the whole year round , but to no avail.
There are number of factors as stumbling block to the growth of tourism industry such as
1. popular Ilongo indifference in tourism
2. lack of sufficient water and power supply
3. lack of coordination among the tripartite level of city , provincial
4. Neglect of national government
4. lack of package tour
5. lack of training among stakeholders
5. lack of hotels especially in Northern Beaches and so on.
As the economy thrives , principally brought about by dollar in-flows of foreign workers , investors are becoming more confident to invest in Iloilo .
The multi-sectoral cooperation paved way to make Tourism viable .
The Construction of convention center - This will bolster tourism industry and make it sustainable due because participants are in compulsory to pack their clothes and leave their homes catch planes and go to Iloilo as venue for Summits , Meetings and Conferences . .
Possible Types of Tourism of Iloilo ( Please click)
A. Medical Tourism - is defined as patient movement from highly developed nations to less developed areas of the world for medical care by bypassing services offered in their own communities. With Opening of international flights , foreign people can have thier periodic test in Iloilo while enjoying the place.
B. Cultural and Heritage Tourism - “travelling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past," and cultural heritage tourism is defined as “travelling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present."Iloilo have nicely preserved heritage sites such as calle-real and Fort San Pedro .
C. Wildlife Tourism - is watching wild animals in their natural habitat. Flora and Fauna in Iloilo.
D. Religious Tourism - a form of tourism, where people travel individually or in groups for pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure (fellowship) purposes. Example , Baroque Church of Miag-ao and Garin Farm Piligrimage Site.
E. Culinary Tourism-
F. Geotourism - Looking at the environment in a simplistic manner, we see that it is made up of Abiotic, Biotic and Cultural(ABC) attributes. Example The Jalaur Development
G. Ecotourism - travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights . Example , Esplanade
H. Educational tourism - main focus of the tour or leisure activity includes visiting another country to learn about the culture, such as in Student Exchange Programs and Study Tours, or to work and apply skills learned inside the classroom in a different environment,
such as in the International Practicum Training Program.
I. Leisure-Tourism - The sole objective is only to vacation and enjoy the beaches. Construction of 5 star hotel in Sicogon Island - Northern Iloilo Beaches fame is already widespread. Hotel makes the tourist stays longer and offer convenience where most people are seeking in times of leisure vacation.
Tourism industry will be Iloilo next forte in the next 5 years and its ambitious goal to be one of top tourist destination in the world.
Iloilo is top 4 in Busiest Air route in Philippines
Manila – Iloilo – 182 flights/week ( Only in Western Visayas)
Iloilo is top 8 in Busiest Port in Philillpines
Iloilo Port, Iloilo City – 1,963,456 passengers ( Only in Western Visayas)