PPA pushes for construction of more PH ports dedicated to cruise tourism
Buoyed by the recent citation of the Philippines as "Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023", the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it will step up the improvements of its port facilities including the construction of dedicated ports for cruise tourism.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the ongoing projects, as well as those in the construction plan, are all aimed at providing safer and more convenient maritime transportation experience to tourists aboard cruise vessels.
“We are proud that the Philippines has finally received the Best Cruise Destination Award which only recognized the measures being implemented by the national government, through the Department of Tourism and other agencies that include the PPA,” said Santiago.
The award was based on the recent World Cruise awards.
“On the part of PPA, we have initiated the construction of terminals dedicated to cruise operations. We will make sure that all these ports can accommodate big cruise ships that we are expecting to visit the Philippines in the future.
Among the ports under PPA which cater to cruise vessels include the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol and El Nido, Palawan.
It likewise aims to develop more cruise terminals in the near term in the areas of Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay and Puerto Galera.
“We believe that aside from picturesque tourist destinations, it is the rich culture, desirable local delicacies and the warmth of the Filipino people which entices foreign tourists to visit the Philippines,” said Santiago.
“To complement these attractions, PPA also just recently underwent the Department of Tourism’s ‘Filipino Brand of Service’ training attended by our Port Managers and other port frontline personnel,” he added
On 25 September 2023 during the celebration of World Tourism Day, PPA launched its #PPAsyalTayo campaign to better promote the country’s well-known tourist destinations that can be reached via ports under the jurisdiction of the agency, promoting delicious food, places to visit, and activities to experience in tourist sites accessible via seaports.
Since the resumption of cruise tourism in the country last February 2023, PPA has already served an initial number of 46,657 passengers from ships calling at its ports as of September 2023.