NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) -- With the successful visit of the Coral Adventurer cruise ship in Maripipi on November 2, two more international cruise ships are expected to visit the town next year, said Mayor Joseph C. Caingcoy in an interview.

Caingcoy said the two international cruise visits are expected to take place in May and November next year.

The local chief executive said he learned the information from a top DOT regional official who helped facilitate the successful conduct of the November 2 cruise ship visit.

Caingcoy said the visitors have had good impressions on the warm welcome, hospitality, including the display of craftsmanship on clay pots and nito handicraft productions shocased during the visit.

He said the most notable impression was that the people in the island are fluent in English language as they welcomed and accompanied the guests during the cultural immersions in barangays Agutay and Casibang, including their extended hours of stay in beautiful Sambawan Island from 2 hours to 6 hours.

He further said that one of the visitors whom he talked with in Sambawan said they will return to Maripipi sometime next year.

Caingcoy added that with the memorable experience during the November 2 cruise visit, the municipality will be coming up with more comprehensive tourism plans and strategies, together with tourism stakeholders, to address more influx of foreign and local tourists in the island town. (MMP/RSV/PIA Biliran)