Dinagyang is Best Tourism Event in the country
Dinagyang Festival was again awarded as the Best Tourism Event in the country in the recent 8th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Operators in the Philippines (ATOP) held in Camarines Sur last week.
Dinagyang bested at least nine other festivals from other cities in the country including its rival Sinulog festival of Cebu. In 2006, Dinagyang also bagged the top award in the tourism event.
The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City was adjudged as second place while the Paraw Regatta, also of Iloilo landed on the 3rd place.
With the recent development in the city's tourism, Mayor Jerry Treñas said Ilonggos should be proud of the Dinagyang's awards.
"This is not only for one person or group, but it is for everyone. The pride and honor Dinagyang festival has brought to Iloilo should be an ownership of the entire Ilonggo," Treñas said.
The achievement should also serve as vehicle for all Ilonggos who have families in the US, Europe and different parts of the globe to invite them during the Dinagyang festival. The award will encourage more tourists to come to Iloilo and witness the yearly festival, the mayor added.
The yearly festival which is in honor of Sto. Nino is also supported and promoted by the United Nations Millennium Development Goal.