Boost in tourism seen as Ilocos Norte becomes cruise destination

Malacañang Palace on Saturday lauds the province of Ilocos Norte as it welcomed tourists through the Star Cruises’ Superstar Virgo.

The international cruise ship company had established a port at Currimao in 2017, docking in March for its maiden voyage.

The three-story luxury liner can accommodate over 2,800 passengers plus 1,100 crew members. 

The Philippine News Agency reported that on January 14, Superstar Virgo carried 1,300 passengers safely to Omnico Natural Resources Inc. Port located within the boundary of Badoc and Currimao towns.

"We are thus confident that we can surpass last year’s 99,147 foreign travelers in Region I, according to the Accommodation Establishments Data of the Department of Tourism," the Palace said in a statement.

Governor Ma. Imelda Marcos in the Philippine News Agency report said that they are putting together a package that would benefit both the government and investors as more boats arrive.

Star Cruises on its websites describes Ilocos Norte as an ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, highlighting its natural landscapes by the sea and Baroque-style architecture. —Aya Tantiangco/LBG, GMA News