The Philippine tourism industry is entering into the highest level when the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced its plan to build the first ever cruise ship terminal in Iloilo City this year.
Atty. Helen Catalbas, DOT Regional Director, said the Iloilo City International Port in Loboc, Lapaz and another one in northern Iloilo are being considered for the project.
Catalbas disclosed that they are just waiting for the recommendation of foreign cruise consultants who came here to make an assessment of the commercial port in Loboc and other potential facility.
“We are excited to know if which part of Western Visayas is feasible and have greater opportunity to be developed,” she said.
The regional director disclosed that the Royal Caribbean Cruise is looking for a destination that could cater 4,500 to 6,000 guests. Even Boracay Island can only accommodate 3,000, she said.
Royal Caribbean Cruise, she added, is willing to enter into a joint venture with local investors for the construction of the cruise ship terminal.
Catalbas also explained that anywhere in Visayas region is perfect for the planned terminal because most tourist attractions are found in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Tourism boost
The regional DOT office also bared a series of seminars and training sessions will be conducted to boost the skills and capabilities of tourism industry workers.
Catalbas said the DOT will concentrate on provision of trainings in the second quarter of this year instead of competing with political noise should they embark on marketing promotions.
“We will do things indoor through trainings,” she explained.
Among the recipients of their trainings are tourism personnel of local government units, taxi operators and drivers, front liners, technical marketing persons, and tour guides, among others.
The planned terminal will be the first ever cruise ship terminal in the Philippines. A number of cruise ship companies are inquiring about the possibility of having a cruise ship circling the Philippines especially during summer.
“Philippine is an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands to visit. Cruise ship is a perfect getaway for anybody who want to discover the country’s natural beauty”, a spokesperson from Carival Cruise Lines said.
/Rene Castro/
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