Cruise ships to draw more tourists to Phl in two years

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism officials are expecting more hits in cruise shipping in the next two years, drawing in more tourists to the country to help sustain the tourism sector’s growth.

“Despite the natural disasters and calamities that the Philippines faced in 2013, more tourists are expected to come and visit the Philippines in 2014 and 2015, particularly those that are visiting the country by cruise ships,” the Department of  Tourism  said in a statement.

Assistant secretary and head of DOT market development group Benito Bengzon Jr. said about 23 cruise lines are expected to make a port of call in the country in 2014. This will be an increase of about 35 percent compared to the 17 cruise lines that the DOT logged this year.

“The incoming 23 cruise lines are expected to bring in more than 23,000 tourists to more than 10 destinations in the country, including Cebu and Bohol provinces,” said Bengzon.

Bengzon added that for 2013, Cebu City, Bohol and Malapascua Island in northern Cebu are among the various destinations visited by these cruise ships.

Earlier, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the DOT have identified eight ports in the Philippines that are considered international hubs for cruise liners.

According to PPA vice chairman and general manager Juan Sta. Ana, these include Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Metro Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic and Zamboanga. Sta. Ana graced the welcome ceremony for the maiden voyage of Star Cruises’ Superstar Gemini luxury cruise ship, which docked in Manila last October.

Sta. Ana said they have lined up various port development programs for the country’s cruise terminals, including the ports of Puerto Princesa, Currimao in Ilocos Norte, and Catagbacan in Bohol. “In view of this strong demand for cruise terminals, the port authority commits its support to cruise shipping services in this country,” he added.

The Superstar Gemini carried more than 1,200 tourists from China to Manila. Sta. Ana noted how the Philippines has been attracting a number of big cruise lines in the past years.

In a more recent development, MS Europa II, a cruise liner operated by Hapag –Lloyd, is slated to make port in Tagbilaran City in January and March 2014.

DOT-7 Regional Director Rowena Montecillo welcomed this move on the back of the rehabilitation efforts that the office is doing in relation to the earthquake and super typhoon aftermaths.

 â€œIt is heartening to know that in spite of the calamities we have faced this year, tourists are still coming in to visit our islands, most especially the province of Bohol. After the October 15 earthquake, Bohol tourism is struggling to find its pace as fears of aftershocks still reverberates,” Montecillo said.

“With the expected arrival of MS Europa II to Bohol, this would restore confidence on tourism in that island-province,” Montecillo noted.

Cruise tourism is among the country’s strategic tourism products identified under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

To make their arrival in the Philippines a more unique, fun and memorable experience, the DOT will extend welcome reception and farewell activities to every arriving cruise ship in the country, the DOT said. — (FREEMAN)