DOT pushes cruise tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it continues to push for the development of cruise tourism in the country, particularly in key destinations, which include Manila, Puerto Princesa, Boracay and Davao.

Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine de Castro said cruise tourism has been identified as one of the priority programs of the DOT for 2017, among others.

She said the DOT was looking to develop more ports to ensure the growth of the country’s cruise industry.

“Puerto Princesa is one area we are looking at. In the past, we have started cruise trials (in the area). We want to revive that. We are also looking at Davao in terms of improving the Sasa port so it can accommodate large cruise ships,” De Castro told the STAR.

Documents obtained by The STAR showed DOT is targeting 85 port calls in 2017, with a total of 75,000 passengers.

For 2016 alone, the agency is eyeing 72 ship calls carrying about 72,350 tourists.

By 2020, the DOT is targeting to increase port calls in the country to a maximum of 300, depending on the response of the cruise industry to the DOT’s National Cruise Tourism Strategy.

The roadmap includes a plan to improve cruise infrastructure and facilities in priority areas such as Puerto Princesa, Coron, Caticlan, Iloilo, Romblon, Currimao and Aparri.

The DOT is also eyeing the establishment of a cruise port and terminal in Manila, which can accommodate mega ships with capacities of at least 3,000 passengers and above.

Enhancing the capacity of tourist attractions and accommodations in the priority destinations was also identified as a key strategy.

The DOT is also seeking to make the destinations more “cruise-friendly” by streamlining immigrations procedures.