The arrival of international cruise ship guests here will attract more foreign visitors to this city, the capital of the Eastern Visayas region.

City tourism officer Malu Tabao said on Friday the expedition cruise ship Coral Adventurer will be docking in Babatngon town on November 3 with about 120 guests who will visit Tacloban, which is the first stop of the cruise ship.

Places to be visited in Tacloban by cruise ship passengers are the Super Typhoon Yolanda memorials, the old Leyte Capitol Building, Sto Niňo Shrine, the city’s downtown area, Price Mansion, and San Juanico Bridge.

The guests will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the McArthur Shrine National Park in Palo town.

“Their visit will not only help the city government, but all sectors in the tourism industry, like transport, hotels, and restaurants,” Tabao said.

She also urged residents to make foreign guests welcome once they arrive by making them feel safe while exploring the city.

“As I always say, people are the best resources. We are the best tourist attraction. We are known to be resilient, friendly, and hospitable. Let us make our guests feel safe, welcome and part of the community,” Tabao said.

“If they have a good experience, there is a big chance that they will also tell their friends and relatives about their experiences here. Let us work together because the city government is not the only one to benefit from this, but everyone in the tourism industry and the community,” she added.

Last month, the city tourism stakeholders were trained on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence in preparation for the arrival of foreign guests.

Coral Adventurer is expected to arrive in the country after departing Japan on October 24. The cruise ship and its guests will be staying in the country for 16 days visiting some of the Philippines’ beautiful island destinations.

In the region, some of the places that they will visit are Biri and Capul Island in Northern Samar, Maripipi and Sambawan Island in Biliran, Cuatro Islas and Kalanggaman in Leyte, and Padre Burgos town in Southern Leyte. (PNA)