Western Visayas Prepares To Be A Favorite Cruise Destination

This region is now becoming popular as a cruise destination, according to the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas.

This weekend, executives of the Sharp Travel Service, one of the top existing corporate, marine, and meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions (MICE) and events travel management company in the Philippines capped their three-day visit to various tourist attractions of Iloilo and Guimaras.

An ocular inspection and assessment of Iloilo City, southern Iloilo, Guimaras and Northern Iloilo, especially Gigantes for possible inclusion in the shore excursion of their guests on-board their different international cruise/expedition for 2017 and 2018 was conducted starting January 28.

DOT 6 director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said that Western Visayas has several potential cruise/expedition destinations apart from Boracay Island.

“DOT is looking at the Philippines as an ideal destination for cruise tourism given that the country is an archipelago. DOT Region 6 is pushing to strengthen shore excursions to other provinces so as to promote various tourist destinations that may be possible side trips during the cruise ship arrivals in the region,” director Catalbas said.

She added that northern Iloilo and Guimaras are idyllic and rustic destinations suited for tourists going on cruise and are sites for future tourism investments.

“With northern Iloilo’s secluded and private getaway atmosphere and Guimaras’ pristine white beaches, tourists will surely enjoy going to this places. Plans are being laid down to provide a package that will attract these visitors to come and come back to invest in the future,” she added.

A cruise ship with 2,000 passengers is estimated to generate USD 250,000 in revenue but a turnaround ship of the same volume would generate as much as USD 1.2-million, according to DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. (PNA) FPV/PGL/DOT-PR/CBF