The Iloilo City government took part in the Department of Tourism's (DOT) hybrid Sales Mission in Australia and New Zealand, marking the first time a local government unit from the Philippines presented a medical and wellness tourism program on an international platform.
Roadshow Highlights
Organized by the DOT’s Office of Product and Market Development, the roadshow gathered healthcare and tourism stakeholders in Sydney on April 29 and Auckland on May 1. The final hybrid session is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, in Melbourne. Iloilo City introduced its pioneering health and wellness tourism program, emphasizing the integration of quality healthcare services with sustainable tourism development.
Delegation and Presentations
The delegation was led by Dr. Candice Tupas, Executive Assistant for Medical Tourism, and Lea Lara, Director of the Iloilo City MICE Center. They highlighted the city’s patient-concierge capabilities, potential medical-tourism packages, and market data on outbound Australian demand to strengthen its positioning.
“We wanted to benchmark and grab the opportunity to present our services. Should they opt to come here for specific treatments, Iloilo is ready,” Lara said. Private sector partners joining the mission included The Medical City Iloilo, St. Paul’s Hospital, Healthway Qualimed Hospital Iloilo, Galen X, the Iloilo SPA Association, and a local pharmaceutical firm.
Specialized Services
Presentations featured specialized services such as IVF, hyperbaric therapy, and wellness spa offerings, designed to attract international patients. Lara added that the delegation received positive interest from travel operators and international buyers, being the first LGU to present a city-led health and wellness program at the roadshow.
Other Participants
Other groups that presented during the hybrid plenary session include Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, Avignon Clinic, Belo Medical Group, Clinique de Paris, Urban Smiles, and Health & Leisure (HNL Corporation).
