LAOAG CITY—Cruise tourism in this northern part of Luzon is slowly picking up with the entry of more boats wanting to explore Ilocos Norte’s natural and man-made wonders.
Gov. Imee Marcos said the Royal Caribbean International—a cruise line brand founded in Norway and based in Miami, Florida in the United States—and other small boat operators have already expressed interest to include Ilocos Norte in their travel itinerary.
This as SuperStar Virgo, a Leo-class cruise ship owned and operated by Star Cruises, has continued to bring in tourists here since March last year.
On Sunday, over 1,300 passengers on board the 13-storey SuperStar Virgo safely docked at the privately-owned Omnico Natural Resources Inc. Port located within the boundary of Badoc and Currimao towns.
This is the second winter call in Ilocos Norte of the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific since its first arrival in 2017.
With Ilocanos eager to welcome more visitors, Marcos hopes the cruise line industry here will be sustained.
“More boats are coming and we are trying to put together a package to benefit both the government and investors,” she said.
As the Currimao seaport being managed by the Philippine Ports Authority is apparently not ready yet to accommodate bigger ships due to its shallow waters, the Omnico port was temporarily used this time.
The arrival of the luxury ship also gave a boost to the province’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Demand for local businesses—ranging from souvenir shops to mini cafeterias and sari-sari (small convenience) stores—has grown.
According to the provincial government’s SME Office, business establishments, namely Pitaya Dragon Fruit, Ilocos Coolers, Ilocos Empanada by Rosalbe in San Nicolas, Agnes Dragon Fruit, Sharetea Ilocos, Good Vibes Cafe, and Araceli Souvenir Shop in Bangui, among others, have increased sales from the arrivals.
Mary Grace Justo, SME staff, said the most in-demand products among the cruise tourists are fresh coconut and mango fruit shakes.
“Malaking tulong itong pagdating ng cruise ship kasi kapag nasa Bangui lang ako, ang hirap magkaroon ng costumers. Tumaas ang sales namin” shared by 55-year-old-handcraft artisan Arceli Macaganda.
“With our 24 buses, lagpas isang libong turista ‘yan. Marami talaga ang matutulungang kapwa Ilocano,” said Jessie Duco Apostol, owner of JDA Tours which offers “city tours” in Laoag and Vigan. PNA