KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — The Island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan expects to welcome about 17 international cruise ships in 2025.
In a media interview, Port Ship Operation and Special Project in-charge Niven Maquirang confirmed that the province gears for the booming of the cruise ship industry with 17 cruise ships lined up to make a port call in Boracay until December this year.
For January alone, five cruise ships are set to arrive on the island, with Aidastella as the earliest on January 13. This will be followed by Norwegian Sky with three trips and Seaborne Encore.
These cruise ships are estimated to be carrying about 8,800 international passengers.
Maquirang said that in February, another five cruise ships confirmed to visit the Island, then four in March, two in September, and one in December.
Most of these cruise ships visit Boracay Island on a one-day tour. Passengers are given on average eight hours to explore the island, enough to see the stretch of white sand beach, visit souvenir shops, and eat and dine in restaurants.
Malay town Mayor Frolibar Bautista has been saying in his interviews that these cruise ship arrivals on the Island will have a positive impact on the economy.
“These foreign visitors would eventually participate in the economic activities of the island and later on when they go back to their countries, they will eventually tell their families, friends, and colleagues about Boracay Island, and this will be a sort of marketing, as they encourage them to experience the beauty of the place,” Bautista said.
Dr. Felix Gregorio Delos Santos, Municipal Tourism Officer of Malay, said that the local government of Malay is working together with the Provincial Government of Aklan for the island’s economic growth and tourism development.
“During cruise ship arrivals, we provide support in welcoming our guests. We ensure that our tourism frontliners are always on top to provide a world-class experience to our visitors. Boracay remains a world-class destination with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and ever-evolving services designed to cater to all kinds of travelers,” Delos Santos noted.
He further said that LGU-Malay always prioritizes upholding excellence and maintaining the standard of service for the tourists. They provide training programs such as the FBSE (Filipino Brand of Service Excellence) for tourism front liners, travel agencies, and service providers, which eventually could help in tourist arrivals.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA)’s P743.978 million cruise port project in Barangay Alegria in Buruanga, Aklan is underway, which is seen to further boost the tourism industry not only in Boracay Island but in the entire region. (AGP/SQP/PIA Aklan)
