Puyat: MICE hub Iloilo City, a priority tourism area
Credit to Author: THE MANILA TIMES| Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 06:01:41 +0000
TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has affirmed that Iloilo, known as the “City of Love” and famous for its delectable cuisine, has the “perfect recipe” to become an international Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism hub.
At the kickoff ceremonies at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) recently, she vowed all-out support for the “Meet You in Iloilo” campaign.
“This makes Iloilo City a priority tourism area which meets the global standards for MICE growth and, as it has become more competitive, causes a ripple effect that makes it a truly inclusive tourism development,” said Puyat.
Senator Franklin Drilon said Iloilo City’s success will benefit other Western Visayas provinces, particularly Guimaras province, the “Mango Capital of the Philippines.”
The Ilonggo senator was instrumental in the construction of ICON in the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, on a 1.7 hectare lot donated by Megaworld Corp.
The Department of Tourism (DoT) chief hailed the leaders of the Iloilo MICE Alliance for the successful launch of the multi-sectoral campaign including DoT Region VI director Helen Catalbas; Cleofe Albiso, general manager, Courtyard by Marriot Iloilo; Iloilo tourism officer Junel Ann Divinagracia; Natalie Lim, Richmonde Hotel manager; and representatives of travel and tours operators, shopping malls and other stakeholder groups.
“All roads now lead to Iloilo City where we have something other destinations do not have. We have everything and every Ilonggo welcomes every guest coming to town with a loving smile,” said Catalbas.
TIEZA general manager and COO Pocholo Paragas said several projects are in the works to help boost Iloilo City’s sustainable tourism development program, including support for the rehabilitation of the fabled Iloilo River and the Aduana or old customs building and the completion of the eight-kilometer Esplanade.
Paragas, on behalf of TIEZA and DoT, turned over the completed P20 million project on the historic Sunburst Park to the Iloilo City administration.
With over 300 people in attendance, representing various government agencies, local government units and the private sector including travel and tours operators from Manila, as well as from the Western Visayas region, the “Meet You in Iloilo” launch gave a glimpse of local heritage sites, including the Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church and well-preserved mansions of the Spanish era and American occupation.
The attendees were also treated to authentic cultural performances and an Iloilo gastronomic experience with Muscovado Salmon and Ilonggo Chicken Inasal Roulade, sweet potato soup, and molted lava cake prepared by chefs from Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Courtyard by Marriott, Park Inn Radisson, Hotel del Rio and Seda Atria Hotel.
This MICE campaign will culminate in the famous Dinagyang Festival 2020 in January.