The state-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is investing P3.5 billion to construct new cruise terminals near popular tourist destinations across the country.
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the agency is investing P700 million each to build cruise terminals in Camiguin, Boracay, Coron in Palawan, Puerto Galera and Bohol.
Santiago expects the PPA to bid out the construction of these cruise terminal projects this month.
Jay Daniel Santiago
The investment comes on the heels of the successful completion of the P500-million Cruise Ship Port in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. The port is expected to significantly benefit Siargao Island and the entire province.
“We see that it is not enough to depend only on airplanes. We need to open other channels for entry. That’s what we’re doing. We’re opening cruise terminals, so that cruise ships can directly enter our localities without having to go through the airport,” Santiago said.
These new terminals aim to solidify the Philippines’ position as a top cruise destination in Asia, attracting even more foreign tourists.
The Philippines is targeting 7.7 million international visitor arrivals this year. Data from the Department of Tourism showed that the arrivals reached 2.8 million in the first six months of 2024, up 13 percent from the same period last year.
South Korea remained the country’s largest market for tourism with 792,482 visitors; followed by the United States with 493,900; China, 191,222; Japan, 181,844; Australia, 130,975; and Taiwan, 114,952.
Among the ports under PPA which cater to cruise vessels are the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol and El Nido, Palawan.
In 2023, over 80,000 cruise ship passengers from Norweigian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Silverseas, Windstar Cruises and AIDA and other cruise ships visited the Philippines, recognized as the ‘Best Cruise Destination in Asia’ by the World Cruise Award.
There were 91 cruise ship calls in the country last year.
The PPA anticipates welcoming 103,899 cruise passengers in 2024, building on the success of 2023. As of May 2024, the Philippines welcomed 58,648 cruise ship passengers.
