By GENIVI FACTAO

Boracay may be the country's top tourist destination, but the island resort is not ready to accept international cruise lines.

Tourism secretary Ace Durano said that the possibility of building up the Caticlan port to accommodate the huge ships is not even in the medium term plan of the government.

Though there can be more tourists that will be coming in the island through international cruise ships, 'we have no facilities for their needs'.

"International cruise ships are really big and they cannot be accommodated in Port of Caticlan," Durano said.

He added that unless the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) would do so, in terms of expanding the port and putting the needed facilities, "we will support".

"As of now, it's not in the medium term plan of the government," he furthered.

There were 14 cruise ships that arrived during the first half of the year. Some of them disembark in Manila while the others had port calls in Subic, Cebu and Davao.

The government continues its effort in promoting the famous Boracay to international market.

The 7107 Islands Cruise Ship has started touring the warm tropical waters of Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan.

M/V 7107 Island Cruise can accommodate 400 visitors; it has 120 staff and crew. Its target is to promote the ecotourism triangle. The tourists can stay 1 to 2 days in each island.

The ship has 137 rooms; each has facilities such as television set, refrigerator, and bathroom.

Like other international cruise ship, the 7107 Island Cruise has swimming pool and piano bar.

Boracay boasts of facilities and the deep blue sea. There are water sports, beach volleyball, bikini opens, MTV, discos, parties all night long or can enjoy over 300 facilities sprouting along the shore.

Boracay continues to be the country's main tourism destination, with arrivals this year expected to increase to 700,000 from 600,000 last year due to the additional international flights.

The government will be spending about P350 million to build a new wharf and circumferential road as passenger and cargo volume increase in Boracay, the most successful link of the Strong Republic National Highway (SRNH).

Durano said the second wharf would accommodate most of the boats use by the resorts and hotels in order to lessen transit time while reducing cost.