TWO chartered cruise ship carrying thousands of tourists from China, South Korea, and other countries in Southeast Asia are expected to visit Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan on October and November 2016.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Helen Catalbas disclosed the information. Catalbas said her office is also in constant communication with cruise ship agents and shore excursion operators for inclusion of mainland Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras in the 2017 and 2018 itinerary of cruise lines from all over the world.
The DOT regional office in Iloilo City is preparing for the arrival of about 2,700 Chinese tourists and crew of cruise ship Legend of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean Cruise in Boracay Island on September 24.
The vessel is the first cruise ship to arrive under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration with the Cagban jetty port in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan as its port of entry in the Philippines.
Catalbas said maximum security is expected to be strictly implemented as most of the passengers and crew will have an on-shore tour.
Welcome leis, tarpaulins, brochures, Ati-Atihan reception performance, rondalla send-off performance and personnel to assist will be provided by the DOT during the visit.
DOT, along with the local government of Malay, Province of Aklan, Philippine Coastguard, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Boracay Island Hopping Association, Southwest Tours and the Jetty Port personnel, will work together to offer the best services to the visitors.
About 50-80 vehicles will be utilized to transport the guests from Cagban Jetty Port to their drop-off point while 15 big boats will be utilized to accommodate about 500 passengers who will go island hopping.
A special re-routing system will be formulated for a more organized and safe transfer of tourists.