DOT promotes cruise atourism in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Mindanao is a potential destination for cruise tourism, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

This year, the DOT said five cruise ships would dock in Bucas Grande, Daku Island and Sohoton in Surigao del Norte as well as North Sibayan in Davao.

It said Zamboanga has been identified as a cruise stop in 2024 while new shore excursion packages are being developed for Zamboanga City and Tawi-Tawi.

The DOT said Mindanao could offer tourist experiences like culture and heritage, interfaith, island tours and expedition ship journeys.

DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar and Zamboanga peninsula director Dara May Cataluña recently met with port agents, shore excursion handlers, tour operators, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City local government officials, Philippine Coast Guard officials and DOT partners to conduct ocular inspection of potential tourist spots that could attract cruise travelers.

“The site evaluation not only delved into the cultural and scenic treasures of Mindanao but also evaluated its potential as a future hub for domestic and international cruise travel,” the DOT said.

The department said it aims to promote Mindanao as a “peaceful and viable destination” for domestic and international travelers with the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of National Defense.

The DOT had earlier said it is expecting 139 ports of call or docking of cruise ships in 46 destinations in the country this year.

The figure is higher than the 102 port calls in 2019.