Tourism spurs growth in inter-island shipping

­­CEBU, Philippines - Despite the presence of budget airlines, the local inter-island shipping industry has continuously shown a significant growth in seaport passengers.

 This is mainly driven by the booming tourism industry in the region, said Angelito Salvio, general manager of SuperCat 2GO Travel, which is part of the 2GO Group, Inc. under the parent company, Negros Navigation Co.

 Salvio said sea transportation remains to be one of the primary means of inter-island transport, buoyed by the increase of local and foreign travelers to nearby provinces.

 “The tourist industry is really growing especially in Cebu. Cebu is attracting a lot of tourists,” he said at the sidelines of the firm’s inauguration of its ticketing office yesterday in Cebu’s Passenger Terminal 1.

 The increase in tourist arrivals is good for the sea travel business as several travelers take fast craft ferries to arrive in several tourist destinations in the region.

Data from the Cebu Port Authority showed that in 2011, fast craft services ranked third in terms of both disembarking and embarking passenger traffic. Roll-on/roll-off ranked second and metro ferry ranked first.

 While some shipping operators said the cheap fares offered by low-cost carriers are affecting ferry owners, Salvio pointed out the upgrading of ferry terminals increases the competitiveness of sea travel industry.

Despite the challenges the shipping sector is currently facing, sea travel operators believe passenger ferries will continue to serve the local market.

A growing passenger market segment for sea transport is seen to be still evident.

 “We also have to commend the renovation of the terminal,” he said, noting that Cebu’s Terminal 1 has already modern port facilities compared to other terminals in the country. The new seaport passenger terminal was inaugurated last April this year.

 The CPA said it renovated the terminal building to address the public’s clamor for better port facilities and help the growth of the local tourism sector.

 In addition, 2GO Travel has currently six fast craft vessels operating routes in Cebu, Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Iloilo, Bacolod, Calapan and Batangas. (FREEMAN)