ILOILO City – The number of domestic and foreign tourists that visited this city last year surpassed the one million mark, data from the City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO) showed.
The 1,076,976 tourists last year was higher by 8.25 percent from the 994,923 arrivals in 2016.
The bulk of last year’s tourists was recorded during the festival season with 97,732 in January when the city celebrated Dinagyang Festival; and 92,559 in February during the Paraw Regatta.
The number of tourists further grew to 100,228 in March when the city hosted several meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
By April, the tourist arrivals climbed to 89,216; 83,089 in May; 76,942 in June; 81,453 in July; 89,314 in August; 78,289 in September; and 89,814 in October.
The influx of tourists peaked during holiday season with 98,988 in November and 99,352 in December.
CTDO data showed 28,504 foreigners visiting the city; 1,066 overseas Filipinos; and 1,047,406 domestic tourists.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the increase in tourist arrivals meant Iloilo City was becoming a favorite tourism destination.
“We are glad that Iloilo City is being recognized across the globe. Rest assured that the city government will not rest in sustaining this development. We will likewise ensure that with the help of our police personnel, visitors are safe,” said Espinosa.
The mayor added the increasing tourist arrivals could be attributed to Iloilo City as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) head Ritchel Gavan said the rising tourist arrivals contributed to the local economy.
“Many tourists spend three days to one week as they dine in restaurants, go to souvenir shops, and stay in hotels,” said Gavan.
Local tourists spend P2,833 per day while foreign tourists spend P3,926 based on the data of the Department of Tourism.
Addressing the demand, a number of new hotels and accommodation facilities opened recently. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta, Iloilo City PIO/PN)
