Saturday, October 13, 2007 Council eyes cruise for CV
THE Central Visayas tourism council is proposing to establish the region’s first cruise ship that will bring tourists to Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Oriental Negros.
Regional Tourism Council (RTC) 7 chairperson Mariant Villegas said, though, that while tourism players foresee the viability of the plan, the materialization of the multi-million peso project may take a few years due to the rising cost of fuel.
“The four provinces are planning to buy a ship. We have asked people in the shipping industry about it. They said because of expensive fuel, it may not be feasible now,” she said.
In their talks with shipping operators like the Aboitiz group, Villegas said they have agreed that the “right time” comes only when alternative fuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel are readily available in the market.
“We plan to have a ship with two decks. The rooftop will be for viewing and there will also be food. But they said a ship that big will need more maintenance and (will incur) high fuel cost,” she said.
She too feared that given the high production cost, prices for the cruise may become too expensive.
The council envisions a cruise ship that will travel to different provinces in the region for one day. The cruise will target leisure travelers.
Sights, food
“The ship will sail slowly so people can enjoy the sights. It’s not going to be fastcraft,” Villegas said.
Apart from sightseeing, food and entertainment will also be available on the ship. Since the cruise ship allows stop-overs in each of the province’s major ports, tourists can also opt to disembark in their chosen destination.
In an interview with reporters during the 11th Annual Central Visayas Regional Assembly of Tourism Councils, Villegas said that when the proposed Central Visayas cruise project is implemented, it will be managed by a non-government organization in partnership with the private sector.
She said the council is free to welcome any interested parties who wish to participate in the endeavor.
Villegas is optimistic the project will “spice up” tourism activities in Central Philippines and attract more visitors to the area. (MMM)
