The province of Iloilo is setting its sights even higher this year as it aims to welcome 363,000 visitors — a 1.3 percent increase from the figure recorded in 2024.
Based on data from the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office (PCAHTO), the province logged a total of 358,475 local and foreign tourists last year.
The number was higher compared to the PCAHTO’s target of 330,000 visitors.
To attract more tourists this year, PCAHTO is ramping up efforts to promote lesser-known destinations that could diversify the province’s appeal.
According to the tourism office, bird-watching in the town of Tigbauan is gaining popularity, especially among nature enthusiasts.
The PCAHTO data also showed that the province generated nearly P4 billion in tourism receipts, or the amount of money spent by tourists during their stay, last year.
The First District earned of the highest amount from tourists who visited the province at P1.15 billion, followed by Fifth District (P1.08 billion), Fourth District (P958, 511 million), Second District (P604,619 million), and Third District (P143,762 million).IMT
REPORTING by Elyrose Naorbe and Samantha Reign Hallares, West Visayas State University College of Communication intern; EDITING by Reymar Latoza
