The Department of Tourism (DOT) is setting its sights on making the Philippines a top cruise destination in Asia by relaxing visa policies for cruise passengers and improving cruise tourism infrastructure around the country.
During her speech at the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit in Makati City on Friday, June 21, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco announced plans for the “liberalization” of visa requirements for cruise ship visitors.
“The DOT is working very closely with the Bureau of Immigration on the aspect of the liberalization of cruise tourism visas—an announcement will be made very soon on this aspect,” said Frasco.
The said plans came after collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration to address concerns raised by cruise lines, particularly regarding limitations on same-day visas for Chinese nationals.
Frasco also emphasized the DOT’s commitment to expanding the number of Philippine destinations cruise ships can visit.
“I assure our stakeholders in the cruise tourism industry na ang focus ng DOT ay ang pag-expand ng number of cruise tourism destinations sa Pilipinas,” she added.
This aligns with the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) plan to construct new cruise ports in Coron, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, and Puerto Galera. These new ports will add to existing ones in Currimao (Ilocos Norte), Salomague (Ilocos Sur), Manila, Bohol, and El Nido (Palawan).
The Philippines’ cruise tourism industry has already seen positive growth. In 2023, there were 125 cruise calls, bringing over 100,000 passengers. So far in 2024 (as of May 28), there have been 117 cruise calls with an estimated 123,000 passengers. The DOT’s efforts aim to further accelerate this growth and solidify the Philippines’ position as a premier cruise destination.