ALAMINOS CITY—The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), an iconic tourist destination of Pangasinan and a national protected area, is now in the compass of holiday cruise ships and fast becoming a popular stop.

Another vessel is expected to dock on October 13, following MS Europa under Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Lines last March 17 and MS Bremmen, a personal expedition cruise ship, on May 7.

Tourism operations officer Miguel Sison said MS Europa’s 488 European passengers visited the HINP’s Quezon Island and Lopez Island while MS Bremmen’s 108 international passengers spent time at Quezon Island.

Katherine Camba, also a tourism operations officer, said that these visits bring income in terms of island rentals, environmental fees, tourists guide fees and boat rental for the boatmen.

HINP Manager Reynaldo Livara, for his part, said the passengers of the two ships were awed by the clear waters and white sand pocket beaches.

Mayor Arthur Celeste, interviewed in a local cable television program, said he is thankful that the Hundred Islands is now getting much-needed and deserved attention from foreign tourists.

Celeste said major projects have been lined up to attract more visitors, including the construction of a convention center and a big swimming pool at the Lucap Wharf, the jump-off point at the islands, and establishment of a display area for pasalubong and souvenir items from the city and other parts of the province , among others.—Eva Visperas

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