SAN JOSE, Antique – Antique will offer “experiential tourism” for cruise passengers should they visit the province.
Provincial Tourism Officer Jose Ramlo Villaluna on Thursday said they are preparing activities for cruise passengers who will dock at Lipata Port in Culasi, the town near Aklan where the world-famous Boracayb Island is located.
“The Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified Antique as among the provinces in Western Visayas that will be prioritized as a cruise ship destination and so we are preparing for it now,” Villaluna said.
He added that a mock tour at Lipata Port is slated on June 7 and 8.
DOT officials, private individuals, tour operators, and transport service providers will join the mock tour, Villaluna said.
“Upon the cruise ship arrival, there would be a welcome committee, cultural dances and the giving of leis and giveaways as what we are really going to do in actuality,” he added.
Experiential tourism will allow tourists to have a firsthand experience in pottery making and making of Antique’s famous bandi, which is made of muscovado sugar with peanut toppings.
It will also allow tourists to learn the ritual dances in towns of Culasi, Pandan and Libertad.
These towns have alluring destinations, such as the white-sand Mararison Island in Culasi, the Bugang River and Malumpati Cold Spring in Pandan, and the Tuna Pathway in Libertad.
Libertad’s weaving industry also draws visitors to the town.
After the mock tour, cruise operators will double check the preparations and start negotiations for the visit, according to Villaluna.
“We are very hopeful that after the visit of cruise operators, Antique could finally be opened as a cruise ship destination,” the tourism officer added.(With PNA/PN)