ILOILO CITY — The Department of Tourism Western Visayas has accredited 84 establishments in Antique during its four-day Accreditation on Wheels, expanding the inventory of certified accommodations and services available to Iloilo-based tour operators and travelers. The development strengthens regional tourism linkages between the two provinces.
A Significant Boost for Antique's Tourism Sector
Celestino Dalumpines IV of the Antique Provincial Tourism Office said the newly accredited establishments will receive technical support and training for their frontliners. This ensures they can provide a positive impression to tourists visiting the province. The accreditation brings the total number of certified establishments in Antique to 295, including homestays, hotels, spas, and resorts.
Dalumpines emphasized that a positive experience encourages tourists to return and recommend the destination to family and friends. The additional accredited establishments give travelers more confidence in the quality and safety of their accommodations. This is particularly important as Antique positions itself as an emerging eco-tourism destination in Western Visayas.
New Opportunities for Iloilo Tour Operators
The accreditation initiative complements a recent partnership between Antique's tourism office and the Iloilo Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association. Sixty-four ILTATOA member agencies have agreed to help promote Antique's tourist destinations. This collaboration expands business opportunities for Iloilo's travel sector while giving Ilonggos safer, higher-quality options for regional getaways.
Iloilo tour operators can now build integrated travel itineraries combining the city's culinary and heritage tours with Antique's eco-adventures. With 295 accredited establishments to choose from, agents can confidently offer certified accommodations to domestic and international clients. This broadens their booking portfolios and creates new revenue streams.
Strengthening Iloilo as Panay's Gateway
The partnership reinforces Iloilo's role as the central gateway to Panay Island. Tourists traveling overland from Iloilo to Boracay in Aklan pass directly through Antique. Local tour operators can capture longer stays in Iloilo before travelers head north. This increases visitor retention and boosts the local economy.
The transport sector also stands to benefit. Iloilo-based van rentals, tour bus lines, and transit hubs will see increased demand for overland transfers along the Iloilo-Antique route. The collaboration positions Iloilo as a strategic hub for exploring the broader Western Visayas region.
Discovering Antique's Natural Wonders
Among the top destinations promoted are the Malumpati Adventure and Eco-Park in Pandan, known for its cold spring and river tubing. Whale shark watching in Libertad offers a growing eco-tourism experience. Aningalan in San Remigio, dubbed the Baguio of Panay, attracts visitors with its cool climate and scenic highlands.
Antique recorded 120,080 foreign and domestic tourists during the first half of 2026. The province's natural attractions and adventure offerings continue to draw interest from travelers seeking authentic experiences. The accreditation initiative ensures that these visitors have access to quality services throughout their stay.
