AKLAN – The world-renowned island of Boracay in Malay town here received its first cruise ship this year with the arrival of AIDAStella on Monday, January 13.
The cruise ship, operated by Costa Cruise Lines, brought approximately 3,300 passengers and crew members to Boracay’s shores.
To commemorate the occasion, an Exchange of Plaque ceremony was held aboard the ship, symbolizing the strong partnership between the island and its international visitors.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent officials, including Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Aklan’s Tourism Officer Roselle Q. Ruiz.
Also present were representatives from local and national government agencies, highlighting the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable tourism and hospitality in the region.
The visit of AIDAStella is seen as a significant boost for the local economy, with many expecting an increase in tourism-related activities and local business opportunities in the coming months. The local government unit of Malay and the provincial government of Aklan have long been committed to providing exceptional experiences for visitors, focusing on maintaining Boracay’s environmental sustainability while fostering international partnerships.
Earlier, the port cruise ship operations office in Aklan announced that Boracay is set to receive 17 cruise ships this year.
The cruise ship visits will be spread across the year, with five scheduled for January, including prominent vessels like AIDAStella, Norwegian Sky and Seaborne Encore.
February will also see five arrivals, followed by four in March, two in September, and one in December./PN
