Medical City Iloilo Earns Accreditation from Department of Tourism, Positioning Iloilo as a New Premier Destination for Medical Tourism in Southeast Asia

Published on December 21, 2025

The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo earned the official accreditation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the field of medical tourism, which is a major breakthrough in the healthcare industry in the province of Iloilo and the entire Visayas region. The accreditation of TMC Iloilo was finally formalized as the Department of Tourism region 6’s Regional Director Crisanta Marlene ‘Krisma’ Rodriguez presented it to TMC Iloilo’s CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa, marking the hospital as the only one in the region that earned the certification. With the hospital’s new accreditation, TMC Iloilo sets the standard in the field of medical tourism in the country as the new ‘City of Hospitality’.

Iloilo’s Growing Appeal for Medical Tourism: A Blend of Healthcare and Culture

With this recognition, TMC Iloilo joins an elite group of hospitals catering to medical tourists, offering a wide array of advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care. The hospital is now ready to welcome international patients, building on the country’s reputation for high-quality, affordable healthcare. The collaboration between healthcare providers, the local government, and tourism organizations in Iloilo will help attract global travelers seeking both medical treatments and cultural experiences.

Dr. Villa stated that the hospital’s IOSA (International Organization for Standardization) certification is not only a recognition of TMC Iloilo’s excellence in medical care, but also an important step in establishing Iloilo as a destination where healthcare and tourism converge seamlessly. “This milestone offers the opportunity to expand and develop medical tourism as a crucial economic driver, helping to attract health-conscious travelers from around the world,” Dr. Villa added.

The Future of Medical Tourism: A Catalyst for Economic Growth and Regional Development

The accreditation of TMC Iloilo positions the city to play a significant role in the future of medical tourism in Southeast Asia. With increasing numbers of international travelers seeking both affordable healthcare and wellness experiences, the growth of medical tourism will contribute to Iloilo’s economy through expanded tourism revenues, new business opportunities, and job creation across multiple sectors.

Medical tourism not only brings in tourists but also stimulates local industries such as accommodation, transportation, hospitality, wellness, and tourism services. The sustained growth of medical tourism will create a ripple effect, benefiting a range of stakeholders from local communities to international partners, and helping to diversify Iloilo’s economy beyond traditional sectors.

Iloilo’s Strategic Positioning for Sustainable Growth in Medical Tourism

As TMC Iloilo continues to offer cutting-edge medical services in line with internationally recognized standards, the city is set to become an attractive destination for medical tourists from Southeast Asia and beyond. The presence of world-class facilities, coupled with affordable treatments, gives Iloilo an advantage in attracting medical travelers seeking high-quality care at competitive prices.

The future impact of this initiative will likely include the development of a medical tourism ecosystem, involving local healthcare providers, wellness centers, and tourism agencies, creating a network that enhances the patient experience while fostering economic growth. Iloilo’s Vision 2040 aims to support this transformation by expanding the city’s role as a leader in the regional healthcare tourism industry, strengthening its ability to attract international patients, and providing quality healthcare options within a sustainable framework.

Cultural and Wellness Tourism: Enhancing the Medical Tourism Offering

In addition to medical treatments, the expanding sector of wellness tourism will complement Iloilo’s medical tourism strategy. The city’s natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and wellness centers offer visitors a holistic approach to health and well-being. From spa retreats to yoga and meditation programs, the synergy between healthcare and wellness tourism will make Iloilo a go-to destination for medical tourists seeking a complete healing experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.

This holistic approach is in line with a growing trend where tourists are looking for experiential travel that encompasses not just medical procedures, but healing retreats that foster overall well-being. With Iloilo’s natural beauty and wellness offerings, the region is poised to become a premier medical and wellness destination in Southeast Asia, contributing to long-term tourism growth.

International Recognition and Global Partnerships: Expanding Iloilo’s Reach

With this accreditation and the continued investment in healthcare facilities, Iloilo is attracting global partnerships and international recognition. As the demand for medical tourism rises globally, TMC Iloilo‘s role in promoting the city as a prime destination will increase, leading to new business opportunities, stronger regional collaboration, and a boost in international partnerships.

Looking ahead, Iloilo is set to become a key player in the international medical tourism market, with its competitive pricing, quality healthcare services, and growing tourism infrastructure. As medical tourism becomes a major driver of economic development, Iloilo’s potential as a leading destination for healthcare tourism will contribute to the region’s sustainable growth in the coming decades.

A Future of Sustainable Growth in Medical Tourism

The accreditation of TMC Iloilo is a critical milestone in the development of medical tourism in Iloilo, which is becoming a major medical tourism destination in Southeast Asia. With its recognition as a medical tourism destination, not only in terms of quality medical care but also sustainable tourism practices and rich experience, there is a bright future awaiting Iloilo in medical tourism. With a hoped-for increase in medical tourism within the region, there will be a transformed economic setting within Iloilo.