SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique — Governor Rhodora Cadiao on Monday expressed optimism the province would already welcome the first cruise ship in Antique this coming October.
“I made a request to the Department of Tourism (DOT) that if Antique has passed their inspection to have the cruise ship already visit Antique by October,” Cadiao said in an interview.
Cadiao made the request during June 7-8 mock tour designed to check on the preparedness of Antique to receive cruise visitors in Lipata Port, Culasi.
The mock tour was joined by DOT Regional Director Helen Catalbas together with the other tourism and the Maritime Industry Authority Western Visayas officials.
“During their inspection, Pandan and Tibiao are the most probable sites to be visited together with Anini-y,”Cadiao said.
The Malumpati Cold Spring would really be a come-on for tourists. It already has cottages where they could stay, she added.
In Tibiao, tourists would be able to experience boodle lunch, and pottery making at Calawag Mountain Resort. They may also try the “kawa” hot bath and fish spa at the Tuno in Tibiao.
In Anini-y, although not previously included in the mock tour, would also have a big chance because of the Siraan Hot Spring and the white sand Nogas island.
The governor, however, said pump boats plying the white sand Mararison island in Culasi town need to register with the MARINA.
She also said that the cleanliness and the needed support facilities like the comfort rooms should have to be put in place in the island. (Annabel Consuelo Petinglay/PNA)
