CEBU CITY – Bohol cemented its status as one of the country’s top tourist destinations when a Monaco-based luxury cruise ship visited the province over the weekend.
The Silver Shadow cruise ship docked at the port of Tagbilaran City for a whole-day tour that brought foreign tourists to the province's eco-tourism and heritage sites.
Led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, provincial officials greeted the 392 passengers and 302 crew of the famous Silver Shadow, the first cruise ship to visit Bohol since the pandemic started.
Lourdes Sultan of Travel Village and vice chair of the Provincial Tourism Council said Bohol is expecting more cruise ships to dock in the island following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Marlon Bachoco of the Philippine Port Authority said various government agencies and stakeholders have been preparing for the arrival of the cruise ship since January to ensure the safety of tourists.
Aside from Aumentado, Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap and Bohol Provincial Tourism Office head Josephine Cabarrus were also on hand to welcome the guests.
The cruise ship came from Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte before proceeding to Bohol.
"We are grateful that Bohol was chosen as one of the destinations of the Silver Shadow. We hope that this is an opening for Bohol to be a famous destination for the cruise industry," Aumentado said.
Yap said Tagbilaran will closely work with the provincial government to create more tourism initiatives and attract more international tourists.
"We are proud of the strong partnership with Tagbilaran City and the provincial government. It is a big honor that we are visited by international tourists with our city serving as a host,” said Yap.