A TEAM from AsianTraveler Magazine came to Iloilo last week to feature the province’s emerging tourist destinations for its “Incredible Journey” issue, according to the Department of Tourism regional office.

The five day tour gave a glimpse of the province of Capiz as gateway to Western Visayas and highlighted the Iloilo municipalities of Carles, Miagao, San Joaquin and the city of Iloilo.

The itinerary included a visit to Panay Church in Capiz, Garin Farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo, Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City and the Hablon weavers of Miagao, Iloilo, island hopping in Gigantes Islands in northern Iloilo, hike to Tinagong Dagat in Lambunao, Iloilo dive in Bugnayan, San Joaquin, barquillos making and a taste of various gastronomic destinations around the province.

DOT Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas said other tourist destinations in mainland Panay and Guimaras, such as those in northern and southern Iloilo, are being developed and promoted to spread the blessings of tourism to many areas in Western Visayas.

Catalbas said the hosting of AsianTraveler Magazine is under the strengthened promotional campaign ‘Experience Western Visayas First’, where different media are utilized to instill pride of place among residents, create better Western Visayan hosts, and provide jobs through tourism.

AsianTraveler Magazine is an award-winning and longest running travel and leisure magazine published quarterly in the Philippines. Its “Incredible Journey” issue promotes culinary attractions and most established tourist attractions with 75,000 subscribers, 40,000 E-newsletter subscribers and partners with approximately 40 local and international tourism stakeholders. (LCP)