The recent visit of the Coral Geographer, an Australian-based cruise ship, to Eastern Visayas is bringing new attention to some of the region’s lesser-known destinations. The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees the arrival of the cruise ship as a key step in boosting tourism and raising awareness of these hidden gems.
New Destinations on the Map
Eastern Visayas, often overlooked by mainstream tourism, has welcomed this international exposure with open arms. According to DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, most of the stops made by the Coral Geographer are in the region, including two new sites: Higatangan Island in Biliran and La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Northern Samar. Tiopes believes that adding these destinations to the cruise’s itinerary will help attract more visitors to the area, benefiting local communities that have limited tourist interaction.
Sustainable Tourism at La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park
La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park is one of the standout stops, offering visitors a chance to explore a 300-hectare sanctuary home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, fruit bats, and bird species. The park–managed by a local people's organization–features a boardwalk that winds through the mangroves and leads to an observation deck with panoramic views. The eco-park’s focus on conservation and community involvement makes it an excellent example of sustainable tourism, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while supporting local livelihoods.
Economic Opportunities for Local Communities
The cruise ship's visit is also providing a much-needed boost to local economies. In Naval, Biliran, Mayor Gretchen Espina emphasized that having an international cruise ship visit is a big step toward putting the area on the global tourism map. Similarly, local artisans in Maripipi, Biliran, are seeing new opportunities to showcase their crafts to international tourists. For these communities, the arrival of cruise ships signals potential growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods.
