Tangalan, Aklan - The town of Nabas in the province's western town is being considered as a cruise ship destination in Visayas.

Representative Teodorico Haresco (2nd district, Aklan) said Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade has endorsed the approval of the P500 million funds for the construction of the cruise ship terminal. The project will be undertaken by the Philippines Port Authority.

"An American investor has expressed its interest in deploying two cruise ships initially. To be dubbed as, 'Island Paradise', it will tour several destinations in the Visayas," Haresco said in a press conference here.

According to the planned route, the cruise from Nabas will sail through different tourism lures such as Boracay Island, Leganes in Iloilo, Bantayan Island in Cebu and Bohol. The cruise ship will then return to Nabas town.

Currently, Nabas town serves as the arrival gateway of the Caticlan Airport in nearby Malay, Aklan. The departure is still at Caticlan, Malay Aklan.

Nabas Mayor James Solanoy said he was surprised to know that the said project was immediately approved.

"Part of the construction of the cruise ship terminal is to create a boulevard leading to the site. I need to urgently meet with the affected landowners in less than a month so that the construction of both the boulevard and the terminal will commence soon, " Solanoy said.

The report said the construction and the operation of the cruise ship hub will provide employment for some 1,300 residents.