Article by:
Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Swan Hellenic Minerva, a cruise ship making its maiden voyage in Asia, visited Siargao Island on Monday.
The cruise ship, with approximately 152 foreign passengers, arrived at noon on Corregidor Island in Dapa town, Surigao del Norte.
The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13), together with Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas and other town officials, welcomed the visitors as they embarked on Corregidor Island.
“The arrival of the Swan Hellenic Minerva cruise ship marks another milestone in strengthening the tourism industry in our region,” said DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.
The visit not only showcases the beauty and culture of the region's destination but also creates valuable opportunities for local businesses and communities, she added.
The passengers stayed on the island from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. before departing for Bohol, their next destination.
“The DOT-13 continues to support cruise tourism as one of the region's emerging tourism products to position the region as a competitive and sustainable cruise destination in the country,” Dumadag said.
She also expressed optimism that cruise tourism would strategically position the region to align promotional initiatives to safeguard the island's ecological integrity.
Dumadag assured that the agency continues to work with other stakeholders to align its promotional initiatives to safeguard Siargao Island's ecological integrity. (PNA)
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