A luxury cruise ship carrying more than 380 foreign tourists recently visited two provinces in Mimaropa, signifying a promising outlook for the region's local tourism sector.
The MS Silver Whisper, a 610-foot vessel, embarked on its voyage by first visiting the province of Romblon. The tourists were welcomed by Romblon Governor Jose Riano and local officials upon their arrival.
Folk dancers, organized by the Provincial Tourism Office, provided a warm cultural reception for the passengers and crew. The tourists were treated to scenic attractions, including Romblon's renowned Bonbon Beach sandbar and the pristine shores of Cobrador Island.
Governor Riano expressed his pride in being one of the sought-after destinations for luxury cruise ships, emphasizing the significant boost this event will provide to the local tourism industry.
In an interview with PIA Romblon recently, he further elaborated on the province's efforts to promote the region to foreign tourists, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.
Riano, who is also the Regional Development Council chairman, said that promoting Romblon and region's tourist spots to the world will ignite substantial growth and prosperity to the region especially to sectors that are connected to tourism as this will serve as a platform for promoting tourist spots, local products, including handicrafts, indigenous cuisine, and traditional arts.
Following their stop in Romblon, MS Silver Whisper made its way to Puerto Princesa City before heading to its next destination in Coron, Palawan.
In Puerto Princesa, tourists explored significant attractions, including the underground river in Barangay Cabayugan, a renowned natural wonder.
The MS Silver Whisper marks the commencement of a series of visits by seven cruise ships to the region this month, with six of them slated to call on Puerto Princesa City.
Demetrio Alvior Jr., the chief of the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Department, emphasized the importance of providing visitors with exceptional care and showcasing the distinctive Filipino standard of service among tourism professionals and frontliners.
