Hundred Islands looms as new cruise ship hub

MANILA, Philippines - Alaminos City, home of the world-famous Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), is fast becoming a destination of first-class foreign cruise ships, which is seen as a big boost to tourism and the local economy.

Last week, the nine-month old MS Europa 2 docked at Quezon Island and the 250 European and Asian tourists on board enjoyed a whole day on the beach frolicking, picnicking and island hopping.

This is the third cruise ship to dock here. Mayor Arthur Celeste said the same cruise ship will come here again on Feb. 10 and March 12.

He said their efforts to improve the facilities of the HINP started with the sprucing up of amenities like the construction of five gazebos, one guest house and rest rooms to attract more tourists to visit the place.

Social media networking is also credited for making the HINP more popular and known to foreign tourists, he said.

The HINP actually consists of more than a hundred islands and islets –  124 at low tide and 123 at high tide – scattered along Lingayen Gulf, many of which are still unexplored.

The mayor said European tourists want to explore beautiful places not yet frequented by people.

“We are promoting not just the Hundred Islands but the province of Pangasinan as well and this is also a boon to the local economy,” he added.

Celeste said they will focus their development efforts on three major islands, namely Quezon, Children’s and Governor’s Islands.

“With these cruise ships coming in, we need to have world-class facilities,” he said.

In his Facebook account, Celeste thanked the 250 European and Asian tourists on board MS Europa 2 for visiting the world-famous HINP.

“Our sincerest gratitude and appreciation also goes to Sharp Travel Services (Phils.) Inc. for choosing Hundred Islands as one of the destinations for their passengers’ nine-day Philippines and Asian journey,” he added.

He thanked as well Capt. Ulf Wolter for welcoming them on board and for the privilege to tour around the luxury ship to check on their world class facilities and meet their very courteous staff and crew.

Wolter disclosed that MS Europa 2 is set to sail to the Philippines two more times this year, in February and in March, and again with Hundred Islands as their first destination.

“We assured the good captain that we are more than ready and excited to accommodate their new group of passengers and ensure their utmost safety and guarantee as well that they will have a wonderful island experience,” Celeste said.