Expand Caticlan port for cruise ships

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has plans to expand the existing Caticlan port to accommodate international cruise ships, according to Caticlan port administrator Niven Maquirang.

The port infrastructure will boost the reputation of Boracay Island and Aklan as a cruise ship destination and gateway.

Maquirang said more cruise ships are scheduled to make a port of call in Boracay Island in the next two years.

At present, the cruise ships stay at anchorage and tourists on board are ferry back and forth by tender boats while local officials extend welcome reception and farewell activities to tourists in Boracay Island.

Maquirang said the future expansion of facilities in Caticlan port for cruise vessels is also a tourism marketing strategy to enhance visitors’ experience and to introduce eco-tourism destinations in Aklan for travelers.

“Tourists could visit the natural attractions in the towns of Ibajay, Nabas, Malay, Tangalan and Buruanga while some tourists could flock and enjoy the pristine beaches of Boracay,” Maquirang said.

“Caticlan also needs a deeper harbor to cope with large cruise liners to move all passengers in Aklan and Boracay Island.”

On March 11, Boracay Island welcomes the biggest cruise ship to ever call, the 85,000-tonnage Costa Atlantica and on March 20, the MS Europa 2 of Hapag Lloyd Cruises.

Maquirang said Boracay Island, in recent years, has successfully attracted vessels from international cruise companies. Since October 2012, six cruises docked off Boracay Island and this year it expects 10 ships to visit the famous island.