Antique inaugurates a permanent tourist information center

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TOURISM CENTER. Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao (3rd from left) cuts the ribbon during the opening of the Tourist Information Center (TIC) at the old capitol building in San Jose de Buenavista as part of the celebration of Tourism Month on Friday (Sept. 8, 2023). Cadiao, in her message, said Antique has a diverse topography, which is attractive to tourists. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

Cesafinews | Antique inaugurates a permanent tourist information center | SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – A one-stop tourism center is now open and ready to serve tourists who wish to learn about and explore the numerous destinations in Antique.

As part of the September activities commemorating Tourism Month, the province inaugurated its Tourist Information Center (TIC) in the old capitol building on Friday.

Governor Rhodora Cadiao hoped that the TIC would help place Antique’s tourism on the map in Western Visayas and across the country in her message at the launch ceremony.

Personnel from the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO) will be dispatched to the center to answer inquiries regarding, among other things, destinations and available transportation.

Inside the TIC, tourists could also obtain tourism brochures and get a glimpse of the attractions in the 18 municipalities through images.

Cadiao stated that the province’s tourism industry has flourished since the pandemic.

Data from the APTCAO revealed a total of 72,877 visitor arrivals between January and June of 2023.

The number of tourists has steadily increased from 10,577 in 2020 to 22,662 in 2021 to 76,357 last year.

Cadiao stated, “We have a diverse landscape that is attractive to tourists.”

Notable destinations include the Malandog River in Barangay Malandog in Hamtic town, which, according to history, is the first Malay settlement in the country and where life-size statues of the 10 Malay datus (chieftains) are mounted, Mararison in the municipality of Culasi, known for its white powdery beach sand, and Aningalan in the municipality of San Remigio, known for its cool climate and beautiful mountain scenery.

The head of the APTCAO, Juan Carlos Perlas, stated that the TIC is open during office hours on weekdays, but that arrangements will be made to have it open on weekends, particularly during the upcoming Christmas holiday and Binirayan Festival.

As part of the Tourism Month celebration, they will also initiate the Search for a “Datu kang Antique” (Chief of Antique), who will serve as the province’s tourism ambassador. (via PNA)