Iloilo Joining the Big League of MICE

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Marketing and Promotions Team is in Iloilo City on January 9-11, 2019 for a Tourism MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) Facilities and Products Validation.
Iloilo City is eyed as the next top MICE destination in the Philippines being home to the Iloilo Convention Center and various other tourism establishments having function rooms that can accommodate international and national events.

Department of Tourism Region VI Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said Iloilo City is enhancing its competitiveness for the big league. The city’s strong infrastructure and institutional support from various sectors made it an ideal site for investment.

“Iloilo City is growing in terms of tourism facilities, attractions and connectivity to other regions of the country. MICE organizers are attracted to the variety of activities Iloilo City can offer to their delegates- from natural and cultural attractions, to scenic view and delectable cuisines that you can only experience in the City of Firsts”, Director Catalbas stressed.

Director Catalbas added Iloilo City has currently 65 tourism accommodation establishments with 11 accommodation establishments projected to open in the next five years. Forty of these establishments are accredited or due for renewal of their accreditation with the DOT.

TPB team’s itinerary includes inspection of several MICE facilities in the city and visit to tourism attractions that will be possibly included in the pre and post conference tours.

“These MICE activities also open various opportunities for neighboring provinces such as Guimaras, Antique and Capiz to showcase their tourism products and attractions considering their proximity to Iloilo and air connectivity to major hubs in the country. It may also be recalled that Bacolod City and Negros Occidental hosted the National Convention last month at the SMX Convention City”, Director Catalbas concluded.