ILOILO City – Iloilo province is holding back on its expectations in terms of tourist arrivals.
The Provincial Tourism Office aims to accommodate 300,000 this year.
It already surpassed this target last year with 310,878 tourist arrivals, Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin admitted.
But Marin said he sees 2018 tourist arrivals reaching up to 350,000, what with more destinations and better facilities at resorts, particularly in the 5th District (northern Iloilo).
Participating in national and local trade fairs is one of the PTO’s ways to persuade tourists to visit Iloilo, Marin said.
It is also maximizing the power of the internet and social media.
“We provide more updates now on our website and Facebook page,” said Marin.
In addition, capitol installed a QR (quick response) code system at Casa Real de Iloilo (old provincial capitol) on April 12.
The system works through a coded image that, when scanned using a mobile device, redirects the user to an internet portal.
This will give tourists essential information of the province’s history, including the historical structure of the old capitol, the PTO said.
Marin hopes the 42 towns and the component city of Passi will soon be able to install a similar system at their local government offices or churches./PN
