ALAMINOS CITY—The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here is slowly gaining popularity as a destination for foreign cruise ships.

Last January 8, the nine-month-old MS Europa 2 docked at Quezon Island and its 250 European and Asian tourists on board enjoyed a whole day of beach frolicking, picnicking, and island hopping.

This was the third time that a world-class cruise ship docked here and already the second under the new administration of Mayor Arthur Celeste. The first was under the administration of former Mayor Hernani Braganza.

Celeste said the same cruise ship is scheduled to visit again on Feb. 10 and March 12.

The mayor said efforts in improving the facilities of the HINP, starting with the sprucing up of the facilities like the construction of five gazebos, one guest house and rest rooms have been worth the city government’s investment as more tourists are now attracted to the place.

Social media has also proven to be a valuable marketing tool for promoting the Hundred Islands.

Celeste said European tourists want to explore beautiful places that are not too crowded with visitors such as the Hundred Islands.

The development of the Hundred Islands is initially focused on improvements in the three major islands, Quezon, Children’s and Governor’s.

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

Celeste added that in their marketing program, they are including Pangasinan as a whole and not just the HINP.—Tita Roces

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