In a major boost to local tourism, the Municipality of Paranas and Catbalogan City are being evaluated for inclusion in the upcoming 2027–2028 Compagnie du Ponant cruise call.

To ensure the destinations are fully prepared for international tourists, a joint assessment team led by TravelPeople Ltd. Inc. and Wallem Shipping Philippines Inc. recently conducted comprehensive site inspections across both areas.

The assessment focused on evaluating the readiness of local tourism attractions, community experiences, facility accessibility, and overall capacity to accommodate an influx of international cruise passengers.

In Paranas, the assessment highlighted the municipality’s cultural and ecological offerings. The team visited the historic Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, witnessed a traditional Pinungko na Mani cooking demonstration, and explored natural attractions such as the Arboretum ni Papa Donoy, the Paranas Ecotrail and Birding Site, and the famous Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride Adventure.

The site visits were highly collaborative, assisted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office VIII, the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, the Catbalogan City Tourism Office, and the Paranas Municipal Tourism Office.