Iloilo City is setting a new standard for health and wellness tourism with its inaugural three-day wellness fair, showcasing holistic approaches to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Scheduled from March 26 to 28, the fair is part of the city government’s campaign to position wellness not just as a lifestyle, but as a tourism attraction that draws visitors while educating residents on healthier living.
Dr. Candice Magdalane Tupas, Executive Assistant leading the city’s health and wellness tourism initiative, said the event reflects changing priorities among younger generations.
“Health and wellness are now a top priority. Gen Z sees wellness as a form of investment—they value experiences that improve their well-being more than gadgets,” she said during a media briefing.
The fair will feature panel discussions and presentations on nutrition, weight management, senior care, and men’s and women’s health.
Interactive booths and wellness circuits will accommodate all budgets, including free and premium experiences, while highlighting wellness hubs across Iloilo province.
A key attraction is the hyperbaric oxygen therapy team from St. Paul’s Hospital, the first and largest facility of its kind in Panay.
The event will conclude with a walkathon and a panel discussion led by the Iloilo Medical Society, reinforcing the city’s commitment to holistic health promotion.
“By combining tourism with wellness, Iloilo is demonstrating that healthy living can be an experience,” Tupas said, noting that the fair serves as a model for integrating lifestyle, education, and tourism in one event.
The city government hopes the wellness fair will become an annual fixture, drawing both local and visiting health-conscious travelers and positioning Iloilo as a premier wellness destination in the Visayas.IMT
