𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧–𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭

Iloilo City- For some of the tourism stakeholders from SOCCSKSARGEN, the GenSan–Iloilo Inbound Travel Exchange was more than a familiarization tour, it was a meaningful homecoming.

The joint Travel Exchange organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI and DOT Region XII was conducted on June 15–18, 2026, bringing together tourism stakeholders from both regions to strengthen partnerships, promote inter-regional tourism, and support the sustainability of direct air connectivity between destinations.

The GenSan–Iloilo Travel Exchange marks the fifth inter-regional Travel Exchange facilitated by DOT Region VI since 2023, following the successful Clark–Caticlan, Palawan–Iloilo, Davao–Caticlan, and Daraga–Iloilo exchanges. The initiative is designed to strengthen tourism circuits across regions and encourage travel through existing domestic air routes. At present, Iloilo enjoys direct air connectivity to 11 destinations nationwide, including Manila, Cebu, Clark, Daraga (Albay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Palawan, and Davao.

Through curated familiarization tours showcasing both emerging and established tourism products, coupled with business-to-business (B2B) engagements, the Travel Exchange provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to build partnerships, exchange best practices, and develop collaborative promotional efforts that benefit their respective destinations.

During the four-day program, stakeholders from DOT Region XII explored some of Western Visayas’ unique tourism offerings. Their itinerary included visits to the renowned agritourism destination Garin Farm, the Indag-an Weaving and Fiber Processing Center, and Sol y Mar Ecofarm in Southern Iloilo. They also immersed themselves in the culture and traditions of the Aeta community in Nagpana, Barotac Viejo, gaining deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The participants further experienced the natural beauty of Guimaras through visits to the Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands National Park (TTGINP), while also enjoying the Filipino brand of wellness through a rejuvenating experience at Ilaya Spa. The guests also learned Tultul Salt Making in Guimaras and enjoyed Tultul Salt ice cream. The program culminated in a B2B networking session, where tourism stakeholders from SOCCSKSARGEN connected with their counterparts from Iloilo and Guimaras to explore potential partnerships and tourism opportunities.

DOT Region VI Assistant Regional Director Phoebe Zelie Areño emphasized the significance of the initiative, “this Travel Exchange is more than just a familiarization tour. It is an exchange of culture, traditions, and best practices, all for the love of tourism. As we continue to improve our inter-regional connectivity and domestic tourism, let us work together to create, develop, and enhance our tourism products that will adapt to the evolving needs of the traveling public.”

The GenSan–Iloilo Inbound Travel Exchange reflects DOT’s continuing commitment to fostering stronger regional partnerships, enhancing domestic tourism, and creating meaningful travel experiences that connect destinations, communities, and cultures across the Philippines.

Earlier this year, DOT Region VI also successfully hosted the Daraga–Iloilo Inbound Travel Exchange, further strengthening tourism linkages and expanding opportunities for inter-regional collaboration.