THE city government is set to re-launch the Dawel River Cruise to attract more tourists to the city.

In a recent interview with Mayor Brian Lim said he aims to re-launch the river cruise next month.

The exact date for the re-launching of the cruise initiated by his father, former Mayor Benjamin Lim, in 2012, is dependent on the day the original boats are able to cross over to the other side of Dawel Bridge.

Upon their inspection, Lim said, the docking area also needs refurbishment.

“Paints have chipped and there are some damages to the pavements, the restrooms as well. We are bidding out for its rehabilitation. Basically, we started from scratch,” he said.

“It was already looking good, it is having its momentum, then, it was stopped because of politics. Sometimes good ideas are not continued because it does not come from you (them), which is not a good mentality to have. The river cruise is an example of a good project but it was not continued,” Lim said.

Dagupan City, he said, does not have much tourist attractions (aside from the Bonuan Tondaligan Beach), thus the need to create one.

“The river is naturally beautiful already,” he added.

The cruise is expected to traverse along the Dawel-Watac-Mamalingling rivers.

“Originally, it was BSL’s idea. There will be fish-feeding at the end of the cruise, restaurants on the side that will serve the famous Dagupan bangus. I recommended a zipline criss-crossing the river as part of future plans,” Lim said.

He added that the city government continues to dismantle illegal fish pens and cages along the cruise route.

“There are still existing pens, but we have an agreement with them that once the cruise starts, they should remove their structures right away,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, the Dagupan Lights at the city’s Quintos Bridge, plaza and the giant wishing Christmas tree are attracting more tourists in the city since it was ceremonially lighted on Nov.12. (Ahikam Pasion)

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