Exploring tourism opportunities in San Rafael, Iloilo: A qualitative study

Abstract

This research study aimed to explore the tourism opportunities in San Rafael, Iloilo, and provide insights into their potential for development. This study adopted a social constructionist and interpretivist perspective, an approach that sought to uncover the subjective realities and socially constructed meanings surrounding the tourism opportunities in San Rafael, Iloilo. Qualitative research methods, including face-to-face interviews and observations, were employed to gather data from the barangay captains and tourism officers. Employing narrative inquiry method, focus-group discussions to nine (9) barangay captains, and key informant interviews to the tourism officer and municipal mayor, the study was conducted in January with the guidance of researcher- made validated guide questions. This study has shown that San Rafael has significant untapped tourism potential. The town boasts natural attractions such as mountainous terrain and eco-farms. Findings reveal the challenges in local governance, economic development, and infrastructure, alongside a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in the Municipality of San Rafael, Iloilo. This study holds significant value for the local government of San Rafael, Iloilo and future researchers, offering insights to guide future strategies toward sustainable development in the municipality.