Iloilo city: Business groups from Iloilo City are flying to Australia on Monday for a business mission. In an interview, Iloilo MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) Alliance chairperson Natalie Lim said they will be going to Perth and Melbourne to invite Australians and Filipino communities to visit Iloilo.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lim mentioned that they have already secured commitments from some participants to visit during the Dinagyang festival. She highlighted that Australians rank among the top five in terms of tourist arrivals in Iloilo City in 2024 and the first half of 2025. Lim believed the mission’s visit to Australia would be beneficial, as they aim to showcase the Iloilo Convention Center, Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festivals, and offer a taste of Ilonggo cuisine.

The mission will include networking and business-to-business (B2B) meetings in both cities, along with interactions with the Ilonggo community. The group also plans to meet with an organization of schools to discuss potential exchange programs.

Before returning to the Philippines on Nov. 24, the delegation will visit the City of Bendigo, recognized as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Australia. The mission comprises representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, and UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Lim noted that since Iloilo City received the City of Gastronomy title, they have been receiving various invitations. She emphasized that exposure trips abroad have increased awareness of Iloilo City, providing an opportunity to share Ilonggo food, tell stories, and attract interest in visiting Iloilo.