With the arrival of Japanese cruise ship MV Pacific Venus in Iloilo City during the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, which closed last month, Department of Tourism-Region VI director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, believes the city is making its mark on the cruise ship map.

“This is a good start for Iloilo City in the cruise tourism industry,” she said.

The director went on to say she hopes the city will continue to receive cruise ships as it will position the Western Visayas as “an ideal destination for international cruise ships.”

The ship’s 720 passengers and 180 crew disembarked at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex in Iloilo City’s Lapuz district and were given a tour of the city, along with experiencing the festivities.

Meanwhile, Catalbas; Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III; and personnel from the Iloilo City Tourism Office, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Ports Authority were provided a tour of the vessel./WDJ