The new year is off to a good start for the province’s tourism industry when the CMV Vasco De Gama of Nicko Cruises Germany docked at the Tagbilaran City Port, 6 am on Jan. 10.
According to Ma. Lourdes Sultan, Travel Village managing director, and the local partner of Mystic Cruises, from 1,216 to 1,512 passengers and 588 crew are on board the ship.
They engaged in programmed tours in tourism sites around the island during this stop. Vasco de Gama’s 22-day Asia Cruise has four stops in the country including Manila, Coron and Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Bohol. From here, it will set sail for other stops in Indonesia and Australia.
The luxury cruise line, named ship of the year in 2023, boasts of five restaurants, seven bars and cafés on board, a heated swimming pool as well as first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
The provincial government, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, provided support upon the ship’s arrival together with the Department of Tourism.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado had reported tourism recovery as a major highlight of accomplishments in the pursuit for sustainable tourism and economic growth in the province. (PIMO/LMS)
