Iloilo City targets 30% wellness tourists by 2030

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government is intensifying efforts to position the city as a premier medical and wellness tourism destination in the region, aiming for 30% of visitors to seek health and wellness services by 2030.

On Monday, November 24, the city launched the 1st Health and Wellness Tourism Conference, highlighting its “Rise and Feel Great” campaign.

The event gathered stakeholders from the healthcare and tourism sectors to discuss strategies for promoting the city’s health and wellness offerings.

Dr. Candice Tupas, executive assistant for health and wellness tourism, said the city is preparing to become a leading health and wellness destination in Southeast Asia.

“‘Rise and Feel Great’ is the best caption because if you rise and you’re feeling great, you will have a great day, and you look great inside and out,” she said.

She said medical tourism involves traveling to another country for medical care, cost-effective options, higher-quality treatments, and a wide range of specialized services.

She added that wellness tourism is proactive and focuses on improving and maintaining health through yoga retreats, spa visits, and holistic wellness experiences.

To reach the 2030 target, Tupas said the Health and Wellness Tourism Council and its technical working group plan to organize a Health and Wellness Fair and Conference in March 2026.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the city is ready to provide high-quality medical services, noting that tourists increasingly prefer destinations that combine scenic beauty with excellent healthcare and wellness care.

“Iloilo City is ready. And with this conference […] I know we can make this vision even stronger and even more possible,” she said.

Treñas-Chu said new healthcare institutions and expansions by major healthcare providers place Iloilo City on track to become a wellness tourism hub.

She said tourism grows faster when a city offers high-quality health services.

“Now, people choose to travel to places where they feel comfortable and well taken care of. They are no longer just looking at the place but also at the services and care that they can avail,” she added.