French luxury cruise line eyes Iloilo, Guimaras port calls

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City and Guimaras moved a step closer to welcoming luxury cruise passengers after French operator Compagnie du Ponant, known internationally as Ponant, conducted a three-day site and operational inspection of the two destinations from June 13 to 15.

The inspection was facilitated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, the Guimaras provincial government, the Philippine Ports Authority Region 6, and Southwest Tours (Boracay), Inc.

It formed part of the cruise line’s evaluation process for the possible inclusion of the destinations in its future itineraries.

The delegation assessed port facilities, tourism attractions, and excursion offerings available to international cruise passengers in Iloilo City and Guimaras.

DOT-6 said the visit allowed the representatives to experience firsthand the destinations’ cultural, heritage, gastronomic, and nature-based tourism products.

The validation team also included representatives from Travel People, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., and Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell, whose assessment is expected to help finalize cruise deployment plans for the area.

According to DOT-6, attracting luxury cruise vessels could generate business opportunities for transport operators, tour guides, restaurants, accommodation establishments, souvenir shops, farmers, fisherfolk, and other local enterprises.

“It also provides a valuable platform to showcase the rich culture, heritage, gastronomy, and natural attractions of Western Visayas to high-value international travelers,” it said in a statement.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to position Western Visayas as a cruise tourism destination and to attract more luxury and expedition cruise operators, including the German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Founded in 1988 and based in Marseille, France, Ponant is owned by the luxury group Artémis and operates a fleet of small ships under the French flag, specializing in expedition and luxury voyages. The company has been expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.