The recent arrival of a cruise ship in Siargao is seen to expand further the island’s tourism portfolio and increase visitor arrivals, an official said Wednesday.

“The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) and the local government units (LGUs) of Socorro and General Luna in Siargao welcomed the arrival of tourists aboard the Coral Adventurer,” DOT-13 chief Ivonnie Dumadag said in a phone interview.

MV Coral Adventurer arrived Tuesday at Sohoton Cove in Socorro, and Daku island in General Luna town with 78 passengers from Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain.

Dumadag said the resumption of cruise visits to Siargao will boost the Philippines’ position as a top regional cruise hub in Asia.

Cruise tourism, she added, will also boost the economic growth of Siargao once the first international cruise port and terminal in the town of Dapa begins its operation.

Construction works for the international cruise port in Dapa are underway, and it is expected to begin operations by mid-next year.

“Alongside this economic opportunity is a huge responsibility of ensuring that we will not compromise the state of our environment, especially because Siargao Island is a protected area,” Dumadag said.

She said the DOT-13 and the LGUs on the island are continuously working closely with the other national line agencies and stakeholders to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in Siargao Island and the rest of the region.

Coral Adventurer left Siargao past 2 p.m. on the same day for Palau. (PNA)