Guv plans to establish tourism authority in northern Iloilo

FOLLOWING the Boracay closure pronouncement by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 4, the Iloilo Provincial Government eyes the possible legislation and establishment of a Northern Iloilo Tourism Authority.

Expecting the sudden influx of tourist during summer season, Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said that the tourism authority aims to prepare the whole Northern Iloilo especially the towns of Concepcion and Carles to be transformed as a real tourist destination.

He said he already discussed to Carles mayor Sigfredo Betita on how to cater the number of tourists since there is a lack of tourist facilities on the prospect places.

There were few cottages and an ongoing construction of resorts in Sicogon Island of Carles, however, it has limited facilities.

As of now, they have formulated an idea which is to put up hotels in mainland and tourists will just proceed on the small islands for the so-called “island hopping” or vice versa.

“But anyway, the mayors have requested which I agreed and consented to conduct a meeting with the league of municipalities of North (Iloilo) specifically in Carles because there is a new resort,” Defensor said.

Defensor stressed that he will host the assembly of the league of municipalities on mainland.

“They will be talking very seriously about tourism in northern iloilo among other things,” he added.