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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines charts course to lead Asia's cruise tourism

Philippines charts course to lead Asia's cruise tourism

Published Dec 16, 2025 03:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Philippines hosts Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting to advance maritime tourism.
  • DOT promotes sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism while upgrading key ports.
  • Nearly 7,000 cruise visa waivers issued; Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay remain main gateways.
  • 136 cruise calls projected for 2025 with 43,369 arrivals; 2026 shows continued operator engagement.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (Photo from DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (Photo from DOT)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is positioning the Philippines as a regional leader in cruise tourism by hosting the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting to promote sustainable and inclusive travel at sea.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the meeting highlights the importance of collaboration among destinations, ports, and cruise operators to benefit communities and strengthen tourism.
She added that the Philippines will boost coordination with cruise lines to improve itineraries, share market insights, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Nearly 7,000 cruise visa waivers have been issued.
Port readiness is being strengthened through completed and ongoing infrastructure projects in Dapa (Surigao del Norte), Coron, Aklan, Camiguin, Puerto Galera, and upgrades at Manila South Harbor.
The DOT, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will reconstitute the Cruise Tourism Development Committee in January 2026 to implement the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy.
As of Nov. 20, the Philippines is set to receive 136 cruise calls with 43,369 projected sea arrivals, a 26.85-percent increase from previous years.
Manila remains the main gateway, followed by Puerto Princesa and Boracay.
Preliminary 2026 figures show 127 ship calls carrying 5,562 passengers and 1,409 crew members, reflecting sustained engagement from cruise operators.
Frasco highlighted the country’s diverse offerings, including beaches, marine biodiversity, wellness tourism, and cultural heritage, as key attractions for visitors.
The Philippines’ recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the seventh consecutive year reinforces the appeal of its natural and tourism assets.
“Cruise tourism in the Philippines is not only about arrivals; it is about the overall experience, jobs created, businesses sustained, and communities empowered,” Frasco said.
Cultural attractions, local festivals, cuisine, and living traditions further enrich the visitor experience and support local communities.
International recognitions, including Asia’s Best Cruise Destination and Best Port of Call, along with hosting Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 and the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026, reaffirm the Philippines’ role as a trusted regional partner.

Related Tags

DOT cruise tourism Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Seatrade Cruise Asia
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