TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office has completed an assessment of key destinations in Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte as part of preparations for the expected return of French luxury cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant during the 2027-2028 expedition cruise season.
Conducted in partnership with TravelPeople Ltd. Inc., the assessment evaluated the readiness of the municipalities of Caibiran in Biliran, Limasawa in Southern Leyte, and Hindang and Inopacan in Leyte to host international cruise passengers.
The team inspected tourism attractions, port facilities, accessibility, visitor amenities, and potential shore excursion sites to determine whether the destinations meet the standards for luxury expedition cruises.
In Caibiran, the assessment covered the Fishing Village, Tomalistis Falls, and an abaca farm, while in Limasawa, the team visited Magallanes Port, Dakdak Beach Resort, the First Mass Shrine, the Boulevard, and Adrian’s Cove.
The final leg of the inspection was conducted in Hindang and Inopacan, where the team met with local tourism officials and Hindang Mayor Elpidio Cabal Jr. to discuss preparations and strengthen coordination for the expected arrival of international cruise visitors.
According to DOT Eastern Visayas, the assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the region’s destinations are ready to accommodate luxury cruise passengers and expand Eastern Visayas’ presence in the international cruise tourism market.
Compagnie du Ponant first visited Eastern Visayas in 2018 when its expedition vessel L’Austral called at Himokilan and Mahaba islands,both in Inopacan, Leyte. The cruise line is now evaluating the region for the deployment of two luxury expedition ships during the 2027-2028 cruise season.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
