DOT rolls out comprehensive plan for cruise tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expanded its avenues to attract more tourists as it completed the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy amid air connectivity issues in the country.

“The comprehensive strategy and associated action plans will set a course for the Philippines to become a more prominent cruise destination in the future. The strategy fits into the National Tourism Development Plan and aligns with the country’s commitment to enhance its attractiveness to the world’s cruise lines,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

He added as the plan commences this year, DOT will focus on infrastructure investments, streamlining of regulatory services, and the development of attractions through close coordination with stakeholders.

“As a key element of the strategy, we will build new  cruise facilities especially in Manila. A superior cruise port and terminal in the capital, with its extensive airlift and ground facilities, will create a compelling reason for large ships to spend time in the Philippines. Once here, they can achieve outstanding port density with efficient cruising speeds,” DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon added.

The cruise strategy identified developments in the Turquoise Triangle that links the destinations of Manila, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa, as well as potential new cruise destinations in Northern Luzon.

“The Philippines has largely been undiscovered, with more than 7,000 islands providing many opportunities for cruise tourism. The Philippines offers rich diversity – from ancient Spanish heritage, culture and history to stunning scenery,” Bengzon said.

Meanwhile, Chart Management Consultants principal Ted Blamey said developing cruise tourism in the Philippines is in a perfect timing and will be beneficial for the whole Asian cruise industry.

“As the mainstream Asian source markets begin to develop, slightly longer cruise duration will become popular because they will allow much more diverse itineraries, offer distinctively different destinations and optimize winter deployment,” he added.

Bengzon said initial confirmed cruise calls until September 2016 stand at 56, with an estimated 33,282 passengers, but is expected to increase and be adjusted as the DOT Cruise Tourism Committee is currently at Seatrade eyeing for more cruise calls.

“The Philippines expects not only to dramatically increase the number of transit calls, but also position itself as a much-needed alternative home port between Singapore and China and Hong Kong,” he said.

Last year, the Philippines attracted 52 port calls from 44 in 2014. Cruise passenger volume rose 16 percent to 69,802 in 2015 from  60,183 passengers in the comparative period.

“The growth in cruise tourism is attributed to the support from the government and private sectors, as well as the enthusiasm of major cruise lines to visit not only one island, but several islands across the Philippine archipelago,” Bengzon said.

Latest data from the DOT showed as of January, arrivals by sea summed to 9,251, of which, the Port of Manila recorded 3,778 followed by Palawan with 2,410.

On the other hand, Davao received 1,327 while Batangas recorded 1,020 arrivals. The rest of the seaports accumulated 716 arrivals.