ILOILO CITY – A two-week trade fair is paving the road for the return of leisure travel in Iloilo province once COVID-19 cases drop and restrictions are eased.
Dubbed as Lakbay Lokal, the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Office with the support of the Western Visayas office of the Department of Tourism (DOT-6) has a two-week trade fair at SM City Iloilo until September 19.
“Lakbay Lokal showcases the local backyard industries in the province in terms of arts and crafts, food, agriculture, and health and wellness,” said Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin.
There’s the Bugana and Agri-Biyahe Trade and Travel Fair that feature the products of local small medium enterprises (SMEs) from 42 towns and component city of Passi.
There’s Iloilo’s Best Food Expo that sells homegrown cuisines from homegrown restaurants and cafes.
There’s the Travel Essentials that features amazing deals for future travel must-haves.
The trade fair will be capped by the 14th Fiber Fashion Fair and the Ilonggo Buskers, musicians who will have live performances.
For DOT-6, the Lakbay Lokal is an avenue to help tourism-related industries badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lakbay Lokal will help rebuild our local tourism communities including our artisans, farmers, and tourism enterprises as we prepare to safely reopen,” said DOT-6 Regional Director Cristine Mansinares.