The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas will draft a cruise tourism roadmap with the steady growth in cruise ship calls in the region in recent years.

DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said they are eyeing the completion of the roadmap by May this year with the assistance of Prof. John Paolo Rivera, an economist from De La Salle University.

“We will develop an Eastern Visayas Cruise Tourism Roadmap, based on survey results, to guide sustainable growth and maximize the region’s cruise tourism potential,” she said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Tiopes said Eastern Visayas has emerged as a preferred destination for expedition-style cruise itineraries, with recurring calls from luxury and boutique cruise liners to destinations.

Regular calls have been recorded in destinations such as Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas in Leyte.

Emerging cruise stops include Capul Island, Biri Island, and Lavezares in Northern Samar; Maripipi Island, Sambawan Island and Higatangan Island in Biliran; and Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte.

Recent developments indicate growing interest from international cruise operators, according to DOT.

“For the 2027–2028 season, a leading French luxury cruise line conducted site assessments across key Eastern Visayas islands, signaling confidence in the region’s tourism offerings and readiness for higher-end market segments,” Tiopes added.

The proposed roadmap will consider increasing ship calls, strong community participation and environmental stewardship.

The DOT said protecting the region’s natural and cultural assets is essential to ensuring long-term benefits for host communities. (PNA)