𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨, 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬

Iloilo City-The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, together with the Iloilo City Government, the Provincial Government of Guimaras, Philippine Ports Authority Region VI, and Southwest Tours (Boracay), Inc., recently facilitated a site and operational inspection for the Shore Excursion and Port Agents of the luxury cruise line Compagnie du Ponant from June 13–15, 2026.

The visit allowed the delegation to experience firsthand the ports, attractions, shore excursions, and unique tourism experiences that Iloilo City and Guimaras can offer to international cruise passengers. The assessment forms part of the cruise line’s evaluation process for possible inclusion of these destinations in its future itineraries.

Beyond welcoming visitors, cruise tourism creates meaningful economic opportunities for local communities. Every cruise call generates business for transport providers, tour guides, restaurants, accommodation establishments, souvenir shops, farmers, fisherfolk, and other local enterprises. It also provides a valuable platform to showcase the rich culture, heritage, gastronomy, and natural attractions of Western Visayas to high-value international travelers.

The validation team, which included representatives from Travel People, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., and Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell, is expected to contribute to the finalization of cruise deployment plans for Iloilo City and Guimaras. The initiative also strengthens efforts to position Western Visayas as a premier cruise destination and opens opportunities to attract more luxury and expedition cruise operators, including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

As Western Visayas continues to expand its presence in the global cruise market, every successful engagement brings the region closer to generating more jobs, increasing visitor spending, and ensuring that tourism benefits are felt across communities—from the ports to the farms, fishing villages, cultural sites, and local businesses that make our destinations truly unique.

#LoveThePhilippines #CruiseTourism #WesternVisayas #Iloilo #Guimaras #TourismBenefitsCommunities #ExperienceWesternVisayas #CruisePH