ILOILO City – A surge of tourists and revelers is anticipated in this southern city for the Dinagyang Festival 2024, with particular interest in the two-day highlights on Jan. 27 and 28.
Approximately 80 to 85 percent of the 2,000 to 3,000 hotel rooms, pension houses, Airbnb accommodations, and other lodging options are already booked for the duration of the festivities.
Happy Abenir, president of the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants Association (IHRRA), reported these figures based on feedback from property owners, managers, and hoteliers.
“But there are still some rooms available. For those who wish to stay overnight or for two nights, I recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment,” Abenir advised in an interview with Panay News on Monday, Jan. 22.
This high occupancy rate persists despite an increase in available accommodations in Iloilo City and neighboring municipalities.
“With more hotels now, we can accommodate more guests compared to previous years when our options were limited,” added Abenir.
IHRAA anticipates that accommodations will reach 95 to 100 percent capacity in the two days leading up to the weekend, similar to the previous year.
In preparation for the influx of local and international visitors, Abenir assured that the city’s hospitality industry is ready to provide excellent service. Preparations, including coordination meetings and planning, began as early as November last year.
“Now, as we finalize our coordination with support groups, we aim to ensure a seamless, pleasant, and memorable experience for our visitors,” Abenir said.
The city’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy has piqued interest in its culinary offerings, prompting establishments to prepare accordingly.
“We hope our guests will enjoy everything Dinagyang has to offer,” Abenir said.
IHRRA is also participating in the Dinagyang Food Festival, scheduled from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28 on Delgado Street, City Proper, with about 26 members participating.
“We aim to ensure that our guests leave with full and satisfied stomachs,” said Abenir.
IHRRA also extended an invitation to everyone to participate in the Dinagyang celebrations.
“We are fully prepared to ensure that you have a great experience in Iloilo City and at the Dinagyang Festival,” Abenir said.
For visitors’ guidance, here is the schedule of major events for the Dinagyang Festival 2024:
* Motorcade of Senior Santo Niño de Cebu – Jan. 24, 1 p.m., main streets of Iloilo City
* Dinagyang Food Festival – Jan. 25 to Jan. 28, downtown area
* Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession – Jan. 26, Iloilo River to downtown area
* Dinagyang Ilomination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights on Friday night – Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. from Ayala-SM City to Megaworld in Mandurriao district
* Sadsad sa Calle Real – Jan. 27, 8 a.m. in the downtown area
* Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan – Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. in the downtown area
* Grand Religious Sadsad – Jan. 27, 7 p.m. at San Jose Parish Placer
* Concelebrated High Mass – Jan. 28, 6 a.m. at San Jose Parish Placer, followed by the Dinagyang Tribes Competition, 8 a.m.
* Awarding Ceremony – Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Iloilo Freedom Grandstand/PN
