The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expediting efforts to increase arrivals and investments through new international partnerships and the revival of a national cruise committee to streamline maritime travel.
Department of Tourism officer-in-charge Secretary Verna Buensuceso met with Montenegro Tourism Minister Simonida Kordic on March 18, 2026 to coordinate preparations for high-impact international events. These include ministerial conferences and investment forums scheduled for late 2026.
The collaboration aims to deepen ties between Asian and European tourism stakeholders while attracting capital to enhance local tourism products and employment. The move builds on momentum generated during the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Cebu.
The DOT convened the first high-level meeting of the reconstituted Philippine Cruise Tourism Development Committee (CTDC) on March 17 in Pasay City. The meeting brought together government agencies and private sector partners to address bottlenecks in the cruise sector.
Discussions focused on infrastructure development, data harmonization and visa facilitation. Officials also reviewed progress under the Maritime Industry Development Program to improve port operations and simplify passenger processing.
Both agencies signed a mutual commitment to reinforce inter-agency coordination and sustain the growth of the cruise sector.
The DOT said the initiatives are designed to enhance the overall experience for international travelers arriving by sea.
