MARIPIPI: The visit of an Australian-based cruise ship, Coral Geographer, to several less-traveled tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas is putting the region on the tourism map, as stated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office. According to Philippines News Agency, DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes expressed that the majority of destinations visited by Coral Geographer are located in Eastern Visayas. Tiopes remarked, "It's heartwarming that most of the destinations they visited are here in the region. These areas are occasionally visited hence, the community has lesser interaction with tourists." In addition to traditional cruise destinations, two new sites, Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran province, and La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Lavezares, Northern Samar, have been included in the cruise port call. The cruise ship visited the region from October 30 to November 4, carrying 40 passengers. Tiopes stated, "The cruise ship arrival in these two areas is the key for the increase of t ourism arrival." La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park, a 300-hectare sanctuary, is home to marine species, wild monkeys, fruit bats, and various bird species. Managed by a local people's organization, the sanctuary features a boardwalk through mangroves leading to a hill summit with an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the mangrove forest and neighboring island. Higatangan Island, featuring two villages, is renowned for its shifting sandbar and annual Island Festival. The island offers attractions such as cliff jumping, snorkeling, and diving spots alongside its beach. Cruise guests engaged with the community, learning about local livelihoods like fishing and weaving. The cruise ship also visited Biri Island in Northern Samar, Cuatro Islas in Leyte, Maripipi Island in Biliran, and Sambawan Island in Biliran. Naval town Mayor Gretchen Espina welcomed the cruise guests, emphasizing the global exposure the visit brings. "This is big help because we are not just breaking the Region 8 barrier; this is all ov er the world, and that is our target," she said. Maripipi Mayor Joseph Caingcoy highlighted the potential for local entrepreneurs to enhance their crafts due to increased tourist interest. "If more tourists will come and investors are also coming, this means more development in our town, more job opportunities, and of course additional livelihood and income for the people," he added. Guests also visited Sambawan Island, known for its crescent-shaped beach ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.