ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas is pushing to distribute tourism revenues more widely across the region by encouraging visitors to explore multiple destinations instead of concentrating their trips on established attractions such as Boracay Island.
Through its enhanced “Experience Western Visayas” tourism brand, DOT-6 aims to connect the region’s beaches, heritage sites, culinary destinations and cultural attractions into integrated travel circuits that could generate more economic opportunities for local communities and tourism-related enterprises.
The initiative, anchored on the concept of “Pinili”, meaning “chosen” or “handpicked,” seeks to transform Western Visayas from a collection of separately promoted destinations into a unified tourism experience.
Rather than treating Boracay as a standalone attraction, the campaign encourages tourists to extend their visits to Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province and Iloilo City, potentially increasing visitor spending and benefiting smaller tourism enterprises.
The branding draws inspiration from traditional handloom weaving, particularly piña, patadyong and hablon, symbolizing how distinct destinations can be connected through shared cultural heritage.
Its logomark features six interconnected elements representing Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province and Iloilo City.
DOT-6 regional director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez emphasized that reliable tourism statistics are essential to developing strategies that would make tourism growth more inclusive and sustainable.
“Statistics are far more than figures on the record. They are the foundation of sound governance, effective planning, and strategic decision-making,” Rodriguez stated.
She said visitor arrivals, tourism-related employment figures and economic impact assessments could help authorities identify development gaps, protect cultural and natural resources, and ensure that tourism benefits reach host communities.
“These initiatives underscore the importance of knowing our story and sharing it effectively to the world,” she added.
Under the campaign, Aklan highlights Boracay, the Ati-Atihan Festival and piña weaving, while Antique promotes mountain adventures, coastal springs and patadyong textiles.
Capiz showcases its seafood industry, waterways and heritage churches, while Guimaras emphasizes its mango orchards, beaches and island attractions.
Iloilo Province features historical landmarks, centuries-old churches and weaving traditions, while Iloilo City promotes its distinction as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, alongside the Dinagyang Festival and architectural heritage.
DOT-6 introduced the enhanced brand during the 37th National Statistics Month celebration in October.
The activation featured regional textiles, destination showcases and suggested travel itineraries designed to encourage tourists to visit several destinations during a single trip.
“Western Visayas is where many worlds come together woven through culture, islands, flavors, and stories,” DOT-6 stressed on their website.
“In a single journey, you can move from quiet heritage towns to vibrant cities, from mountain landscapes to sunlit shores. Each province offers something distinct, yet all are deeply connected, like threads in a single weave. Here, travel is not about distance, but discovery: layered, seamless, and rich with meaning,” it added.
“This is a place where diversity is not scattered, but shared. Where every experience feels close, yet completely new. Western Visayas invites you to explore more, feel more, and discover connections that stay with you,” the agency stressed.
The initiative is expected to strengthen regional tourism promotion, encourage longer stays and create additional livelihood opportunities for local businesses, particularly micro-enterprises dependent on visitor spending./PN
