Boracay prepares to become 'Cruise Ship Hub'

This resort island is preparing to become the "Cruise Ship Hub" in anticipation of the continuing tourism boom being one of the best beaches in the world.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said the plan to make Boracay as the "Cruise Ship Hub" is in connection with the plan of Hong Kong. Hong Kong this year is expected to operate as the "Cruise Ship Hub" in Asia.

Maquirang as Aklan (Boracay) representative together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be presenting the plans to the Asian Convention of Cruise Ships to be held in Singapore later this year. Maquirang also represented the Aklan provincial government in World Cruise Ship Conference in the United States recently.

"We in the Aklan provincial government plan to extend the operation of Cruise Ship to the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Tangalan and other areas. We are proposing for a docking at the planned Kalibo Jetty Port and then from there, organize a tour to other tourism destinations," Maquirang said.

The Aklan Provincial Government also hopes to lobby with the international cruise ship operators to open the Caticlan Port for local passengers to board and be able to travel around the world.

Maquirang thanked the Aquino administration and the DOT for its strengthened program on tourism. At least two Royal cruise ahips had visited Boracay in 2012.

"Currently, the worldwide trend on tourism is into Cruise Ship Destination as cruise ships not only bring large number of tourists but also we consider them tourists who pay well and in turn help our communities," said Maquirang.

The Aklan provincial government also expected to have at least three more Royal Cruise Ship arrivals this year.

Aside from Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Metro Manila are also being regularly visited by the Royal Cruise Ships.