Dinagyang packs up Iloilo hotels

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

HOTELS here are now fully booked for Dinagyang Festival, the city’s premiere fiesta with highlights on Jan. 25-27, said Robert Ferrer, president of Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association (IHRRA).

The hotels in the metropolis have around 1,800 room capacities although these are usually good for double occupancy.

Are there enough rooms for visitors who will come in droves to witness Dinagyang?

“Guests who could not get rooms may opt to stay at pensions, lodging houses, dormitories, motels and resorts near the city, just like they did last Dinagyang,” Ferrer said.

Last year, Mayor Jerry Treñas had downplayed the supposed shortage of accommodation here to host the influx of visitors flocking to see the big event.

“I think that should not be the problem or the attitude. The visitors coming over have relatives, friends and business partners where they could stay if the hotels are already fully-booked,” Treñas explained.

“If they could not be accommodated in the hotels, they could be billeted in other places around the city. I encourage more visitors to come. And to the residents, if they have guests, let them stay in your house,” he stressed.

The mayor said the constraint in hotel rooms should not hinder the visitors to witness the Dinagyang spectacle.

“Let not be the limited hotel rooms an obstacle for guests to enjoy and taste the experience of Dinagyang,” said Treñas.

The private sector has been urged to establish more hotel facilities that would cater to the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists especially during peak season like Dinagyang.