DOT eyes stronger cruise tourism in Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is strengthening efforts to position the region as a premier cruise tourism destination following the successful visit of expedition cruise ship Swan Hellenic (SH) Minerva to Digyo Island in Inopacan, Leyte, on Wednesday.
The visit marked the first-ever call of the SH Minerva expedition cruise line to both Eastern Visayas and the Philippines. Of the ship’s 123 crew members, around 90 were Filipinos.
More than 100 international passengers were onboard the vessel, mostly Russians, Americans, and Italians, with 85 guests joining the island immersion tour in Digyo Island—one of Leyte’s emerging ecotourism destinations known for its white sand beaches and pristine waters.
SH Minerva is a boutique expedition cruise ship operated by Swan Hellenic, a luxury cruise line specializing in cultural and expedition voyages to remote and lesser-known destinations around the world.
DOT Eastern Visayas Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the successful stopover highlights the growing appeal of the region for boutique and expedition cruise tourism, particularly among travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion and community-based experiences.
“The visit of SH Minerva reflects the growing interest in destinations that offer meaningful cultural connections and immersive experiences,” Tiopes said.
Local interaction
She added: “Eastern Visayas has the natural beauty, heritage, and warm communities that make it ideal for boutique and expedition cruise tourism.”
The cruise ship’s stop at Digyo Island, part of the Cuatro Islas group in Leyte, was organized by DOT Eastern Visayas in partnership with the local government of Inopacan led by Mayor Azucena Mirambel.
Rather than implementing a tightly packed itinerary, organizers allowed guests to spend time interacting with residents, experiencing local traditions, and appreciating the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
The immersion program featured three experiential stations showcasing the town’s culture and livelihood traditions. At the Pandanus Weaving Station, guests observed traditional handweaving techniques that highlighted local craftsmanship and cultural identity.
At the Fisherfolk Skills Station, visitors learned traditional fish net repair, fish salting, and sun-drying practices that sustain many coastal families in Inopacan. Meanwhile, at the Tuba Station, guests watched a “managgete” demonstrate the harvesting of coconut sap and participated in tasting sessions of the local drink.
According to the DOT, many visitors described the Digyo Island experience as the highlight of their cruise, citing the warmth and hospitality of the residents.
Tiopes said one of the most meaningful parts of the immersion was the interaction between guests and local fisherfolk, who demonstrated the traditional practice of repairing fishing nets by hand.
“In the coastal community of Inopacan, fishing is more than a source of food or income—it is a way of life that sustains families, shapes communities, and connects generations to the sea,” she said.
Tiopes added that the activity allowed visitors to better understand the labor, resilience, and traditions behind the community’s fishing culture.
“These authentic encounters allow visitors not only to see a destination, but to appreciate the culture, labor, and everyday realities that define it,” she said.
Beyond the cultural demonstrations, guests joined residents in music, dancing, and informal conversations while also supporting local livelihoods through the purchase of handmade products and souvenirs.
The visit formed part of SH Minerva’s Philippine expedition itinerary, which began in Sorong, Indonesia, and passed through Raja Ampat before visiting Pulau Miangas, Siargao, Bohol, the Camotes Islands, Cuatro Islas in Leyte, and Boac, Marinduque, before concluding in Manila.
The DOT said the successful maiden call strengthens Eastern Visayas’ bid to become a key destination for international expedition cruises, particularly as demand grows for sustainable and community-centered travel experiences.
