Antique’s Charm and Religious Relics Attract Increasing Number of Tourists Post-Pandemic

MANILA: Antique Province has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, known for its serene atmosphere and religious relics. Niklaus de los Reyes Torres, consultant for the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO), shared in an interview that tourist arrivals in the first three quarters of 2023 have already surpassed the entire year of 2022.

According to Philippines News Agency, the province recorded 82,170 overnight tourists and 697,414 same-day visitors between January and September 2023, with expectations to reach one million once all data is compiled. Antique’s appeal lies in its extensive shoreline and mountain ranges, offering a tranquil alternative to the bustling nearby areas of Boracay island and Iloilo City. The province also boasts unique attractions like the mountain of Aningalan, religious pilgrimage sites including San Blas De Antique, and historical landmarks like the life-size statues of the 10 Bornean datus in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic. These features, coupled with the region’s natural beauty and quiet, continue to draw an increasing number of visitors annually.