ILOILO – The Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) is hopeful this province could attract 350,000 tourists this year.
The 2019 tourist arrival target is achievable, said PTO chief Gilbert Marin, citing strategies his office has designed such as distributing tourism promotional materials in hotels, airports, tour operators, municipalities, etc.
“Very helpful ini. These materials feature our attractions and destinations,” said Marin.
The current campaign period for the May 13 midterm elections is also a good opportunity to promote Iloilo’s tourist sites, he added, citing the visits of election candidates.
One of the tourist spots featured in PTO’s tourism promotional materials is Nasidman Island in Barangay Nasidman, Ajuy town in northern Iloilo.
Nadisman Island boasts of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters good for snorkeling, boating and swimming.
Ajuy is a coastal town with lots of islands.
Another is the Tangke saltwater lagoon in Barangay Gabiu, Gigantes Sur, Carles town. It is a hidden lagoon surrounding by walls of granite monolithic cliffs.
Like Ajuy, Carles also boasts of lots of islands with good beaches.
Marin said Iloilo has enough accommodation establishments to house tourists especially this summer vacation.
He recently urged local government units (LGU) to have their own municipal tourism plans.
“The tourism plan will serve as their ‘bible’, a template on their direction and promotion of the local tourism,” said Marin./PN
