PPA to construct ports for cruise tourism

• The Philippine Ports Authority plans to construct dedicated ports for cruise tourism

• Cruise facilities in Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay and Puerto Galera are being eyed

• This will help position the Philippines as the next big cruise tourism hub in Asia, according to PPA

• The plan to develop more cruise terminals follows the country’s recent recognition as the “Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023” at the World Cruise Awards

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) plans to develop more dedicated ports for cruise tourism, PPA general manager Jay Santiago said in a statement.

Cruise terminals in Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, and Puerto Galera are being eyed in the near term in order to position the Philippines as the next big cruise tourism hub in Asia.

RELATED READ: PH first dedicated cruise terminal to open in Siargao in Oct

PPA already oversees several ports catering to cruise ships, including Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol, and El Nido, Palawan.

The plan to develop more cruise terminals follows the country’s recent recognition as the “Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023” at the World Cruise Awards.

“We have initiated the establishment of terminals exclusively for cruise operations. We are ensuring that our ports can accommodate the large cruise ships we expect in the near future,” Santiago said.

PPA has welcomed 46,657 cruise passengers from the resumption of cruise tourism in the Philippines in February 2023 until September.

To further enhance the tourist experience, PPA recently underwent the Department of Tourism’s ‘Filipino Brand of Service’ training, attended by port managers and other frontline personnel.

On World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 25, PPA introduced its #PPAsyalTayo campaign. The initiative aims to promote the country’s renowned tourist destinations accessible through PPA-managed ports.