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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Greek cruise line interested on PH's 'untapped' inter-island cruising tourism

Greek cruise line interested on PH's 'untapped' inter-island cruising tourism

Published Nov 15, 2024 07:24 am
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Variety Cruises CEO Filippos Venetepoulous (seated, second from right) meet with officials of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) led by Administrator Sonia Malaluan (seated, second from left) at the agency's headquarters in Manila on Nov. 14, 2024. The Greece-based cruise line is interested to explore opportunities for the operationalization of inter-island cruising in the Philippines. (Photo: Marina) 

A Greece-based cruise line is keen on partnering with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to explore opportunities for the operationalization of inter-island cruising in the Philippines through the deployment of one of its adventure/sail cruise ships.

Filippos Venetepoulous, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Variety Cruises, paid a courtesy visit on Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan on Thursday, Nov. 14, where he discussed his plans to venture in inter-island cruising tourism in the country.

In its website, the Variety Cruises said it is a private yacht cruise line based in Athens, Greece. It owns and operates a number of small cruise ships and yachts.

According to Venetepoulous, the Philippines is "an untapped market for inter-island cruising." 

He said the South East Asian country “has a lot of experiences to offer, from water activities, to food, history, culture and the people themselves.”

In response, Malaluan conveyed her commitment to provide Venetepoulous with the necessary support from the government. 

She said this includes information relating to ship registration and operations in the country, suggested inter-island tourism packages, and other products and services that would showcase the uniqueness of the Philippines in terms of maritime tourism.

"We will work with the Department of Tourism to come up with the right package including the menu of support that the government can offer," she said.

Venetopoulous was in the Philippines to attend the Seatrade Maritime Global Crew Connect and the Seatrade Cruise Asia held from Nov. 12 to 14.

Malaluan and Venetopoulous agreed to continue discussing further on the latter’s interest to operate business in the country.

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MARINA Sonia B. Malaluan
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