MEET YOU IN ILOILO

Equipped with seamless infrastructure, modern facilities, and a strategic location, Iloilo City stands as an emerging competitive player in the Philippines’ MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions and Events) industry.

Committed to the tight touchstones of global MICE standards, this city has already proven itself a trailblazer – being one of only a few hubs in the Philippines to have successfully hosted both APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meetings in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

Both these major summits were accommodated by government-funded ICON – Iloilo Convention Center, a state-of-the-art venue that, in the first half of 2019 alone, hosted 79,198 attendees for a series of high-profile functions and events.

9 reasons to choose charming Iloilo as your next MICE destination

A culinary haven, a vibrant festival destination, a cosmopolitan trading port since the turn of the last century, the heart of the Philippines, and so much more.

It’s a fairly easy task to fall in love with Iloilo – with its myriad lures and many monikers – a locale steeped in history and rich indigenous culture, yet also an emergent city assuredly making strides toward a sustainable tomorrow, an eclectic marriage of the traditional and the modern. As multifaceted as it its colorful, Iloilo will leave you spellbound by its manifold charms.

Here are 9 reasons why you should consider this “City of Love” as your next MICE destination.

The Heart of the Philippines

Touted as the “Heart of the Philippines,” Iloilo traces its roots as a major port city to 1855, when the metropolis was first opened to world trade. Now, the city’s harbors and the Iloilo International Airport (with direct flights to Hong Kong and Singapore) stand as among the busiest in the country, cementing the locale as an invaluable epicenter of business for centuries now, and counting.

Steeped in History

Ours is a culture shaped by a rich genteel history and undeniable Spanish influence, as demonstrated by Iloilo’s architectural marvels: from the stately ancestral mansions of the moneyed sugar barons to age-old ornate churches that have stood the test of time. The country’s former textile capital and the Philippines’ most important seaport during the Spanish era – second only to Manila – one only needs to visit Iloilo’s immersive museums to fully fathom the city’s old glory.

A Food-lover’s Haven

Satisfy your cravings: From the quintessential Ilonggo batchoy, to seafood freshly plucked from the ocean, to saccharine delicacies that will satisfy any sweet tooth – Iloilo is a gastronomical destination like no other. Iloilo’s sprawling shorelines and serendipitous proximity to the uplands ensures abundant produce from both the land and the sea whole year-round, making it a bountiful playground for chefs and foodies alike.

Sunny Shores, Marvelous Mounts

Traced by the Panay Gulf in the east and bordered by the Central Panay Mountain Range in the west, Iloilo and its neighboring provinces has scenic excursions for beachcombers and mountain adventurers alike.
A few hours north of Iloilo City are the pristine white sand shores of Concepcion and Carles, boasting azure waters, idyllic sandbars, and awe-inspiring rock formations. Trekking upland, you’ll discover chilly Bucari, Leon with its dazzling mountain-top views. But of course, why go far when the island paradise of Guimaras is just a 15-minute motorized banca ride from downtown Iloilo?

Heartfelt Ilonggo Hospitality

Ilonggos, Iloilo’s locals, are known to be a generous and hospitable bunch – it isn’t the “City of Love” for nothing. Hoteliers and restauranteurs in this cosmopolitan destination put a premium on exceptional service to delight guests, but Ilonggos have always been innately warm and outgoing.
The friendly spirit of Iloilo’s people is best showcased during the festivities and merrymaking of the annual Dinagyang Festival, celebrated on the 4th Sunday of January every year in honor of the Sto. Niño – when smiles abound and camaraderie reigns.

Beacon of Sustainability

Lauded for numerous successful civic initiatives, sustainability has become the foundation for the mapping and planning of this developing metropolis.
The Iloilo River Esplanade first comes to mind, an 8.1-kilometer linear park that traces the banks of its namesake waterway, running along major thoroughfares in the city.
Iloilo has also been proclaimed the “Most Bike-Friendly City” in the country by the PhilBike Awards, recognized for its road sharing initiatives and its protected bike lanes.

Among Southeast Asia’s Safest Cities

Iloilo is consistently recognized as one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia by the survey of international online database Numbeo. In 2019, the city landed 8th place, following the ranks of Singapore, Bangkok, and Bali, among others.
The city’s peace and order has proven to be a major lure for local and international tourists and investors who applaud the strict law enforcement in the bustling metro.

Seamless Incentives

The tight-knit collaboration of Iloilo’s MICE Alliance seeks to offer a seamless experience, with an across-the-board incentive plan that no other city is likely capable to match – encompassing from confab discounts on domestic airfare, to exclusive hotel perks, and even concessions from major malls and affiliated restaurants. Iloilo promises an unparalleled MICE experience.

International MICE Standards

Iloilo is committed to abide by the tight touchstones of global MICE standards. The city has revealed itself a trailblazer, being one of only a few hubs in the Philippines to have successfully hosted both APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) delegates in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

Fall in Love with Iloilo

Eat like a local!

Blessed with a rich culinary history, and the fertile resources of both its land and sea, Iloilo has grown to become a burgeoning culinary haven – countless travelers lured by the city’s mouth-watering offerings. Here are a few local favorites you need to taste for yourself, when in this vibrant gastronomic paradise.

ILOILOstrado

The city’s manifold old-world charms Vibrant Iloilo has been a cosmopolitan city and multicultural enclave since the turn of the last century, first catapulted into economic dominance after its port…

Fall in Love with Iloilo Province

It’s no easy task to take into account how multifaceted Iloilo Province is, much more whittle down a list of just ten or so must-visit tourist destinations, when the province has literally an innumerable attractions – all with different appeals, diverse sights, and an assortment of unique experiences.

Across-the-board Incentives

The Iloilo MICE Alliance has crafted a comprehensive incentive plan that no other city is likely capable to match – taking into account everything from convention discounts on domestic airfare, to exclusive hotel perks, and even concessions from major malls and participating restaurants.

LEARN MORE

Planning to hold an event in Iloilo? Let us help you.

Download the ILOILO MICE GUIDE!

CONTACT US

For any questions, comments or suggestions, you can reach us through the following:

Department of Tourism Region VI - Western Visayas Ground Floor, Casa Real de Iloilo (Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol), Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City

(+63 33) 337 5411 (+63 33) 335 0245

secretariat@meetyouiniloilo.com