Why not Cebu?
July 13, 2001 | 12:00am
Cebu continues to attract tourists and travelers (Thank heavens! Knock on wood!) despite the disturbing reports on...(Don’t say a word or else there will be more of it!) Somehow, the never-easily-impressed-nor-satisfied (May their tribe decrease!) have started to wonder why the "island paradise somewhere in the Pacific" has not been able to successfully convince the cruising industry of the world to have their ships regularly drop their anchors on the destination that has it all.
They proudly proclaim, "We have what the favorite and popular ports-of-call around the globe offer – in our unique sort of way. So why are we missing the boat?"
Coincidentally I was in Cebu recently and during the last few day of my stay, I contacted the leading tour operators of the island to enlighten us on the question: Why is Cebu not a regular port-of-call of the cruise ships of the world? Let’s give an ear.
Marget Fernan-Villarica, president and general manager of Destination Specialists (Cebu) Inc.: The main reason? Oh, I can easily think of several and enumerate them without any difficulty. You must believe me when I say that all are just as important. But focusing on the primary cause, I would have to zero in on the state of our seaport. Though fabled as it may be and contrary to perception, our pier is simply inadequate to accept cruise liners on a regular basis for it has to share the docks with international cargo vessels that come rather frequently on schedule. The port, sad to admit, does not have an international passenger terminal to provide other services, which incidentally are just too many to mention, that are expected by the officers, staff, crew and most especially by the passengers.
Jenny Franco, managing director of Travelvision Inc.: The cruise lines come up with their own itineraries and programs based on their destinations – destinations which they consider saleable and profitable for their company. Here are some possible reasons why, I suspect, they have not included Cebu as one of their regular ports of call. Firstly, safety and cleanliness. They probably don’t believe that our port is safe enough for their passengers. Upon arrival, what they see are squatters all over the area with street children and beggars hovering around. The entire scenario is a very unpleasant. Secondly, our facilities at port. Simply stated, we truly do not have the services and equipment to handle international cruise ships. We do not even have a decent terminal to receive them before they board the tour buses. Thirdly, marketing and promotions. Both the Department of Tourism and our own local government are not seriously promoting Cebu as a cruise ship destination.
Cecile Sa-A, branch manager of Blue Horizon Travel and Tours Inc.-Cebu: The most realistic reason I can think of why international cruise liners have not made Cebu part of their regular ports of call in their itineraries is due to the fact that the city is not internationally known in the global cruise travel market as an ideal place to visit. There is another constraint. The berth facilities could only allow an advisable ship’s length of 150 meters and a draft limitation of 8.5 meters.
Sheila Colmenares, general manager of Leisure Travel and Tours, Inc.: Here are my reasons why cruise liners don’t dock in Cebu regularly. 1) The bad image we have abroad from political instability to unending kidnappings and many other problems in between. 2) The national government has not allocated enough funds for tourism and is far from being focused on efficiently and effectively promoting our island as a prime destination. 3) The Department of Tourism, together with the private sector, has not convinced enough international cruise operators to include Cebu as one of their regular ports-of-call. 4) Cebu, believe it or not, does not have a port with facilities of international standards.
Aida Uy, president and general manager of Fortune Travel: Cruising, more than ever in the last few years, has become a wholesome and entertaining mode of travel. It sure does offer a package of relaxation and fun. One of the Seven-Point Agenda of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce is to expand sea travel. However, there is still much more to be desired. It seems, the problem, if you can call it that, points to our port facilities that badly need upgrading. To realize this, government agencies such as the DOTC and the DOT should work on making it a reality. Why this is not being done now is perhaps due to lack of a progressive study, aggressive leadership to start it all, logistics, resources and skilled manpower. With the new administration in place, we hope to see a more lucrative future for the cruising industry right here in Cebu.
Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad, manager for branches of Danfil Express Inc.: I have been assured by the Cebu Ports Authority that the Cebu International Port can accommodate cruise ships with a maximum draft of 8.5 meters. And yet Cebu is not included as a regular stopover in various cruise programs. In my opinion, one reason is probably because the port does not have the adequate facilities to serve tourists. Do you know we do not even have a proper, decent passenger terminal at the International Port? More importantly, I personally feel that Cebu has not really been promoted as a cruise destination. We should study this highly specialized market so we may develop on-land optional tour products that will be attractive and acceptable for the cruise lines to consider, including Cebu in its regular routes.
Elizabeth Hauser, branch manager of Metropolitan Tours Philippines, Inc.: After being in the tourism industry for more than a decade and a half, I have observed that only limited cruises ever visit Cebu as part of their itinerary. I feel that the Department of Tourism must concentrate more on this particular market. With the help of the Cebu private sector, we should all have the motivation and the initiative in promoting our city as a cruising destination. After all we have so much to offer from the nearby islands to explore to the fine white sand beaches to the shopping at factory outlets for real bargains. And let’s not forget the historical spots. Cebu is very capable of accommodating the ships, though I must shamefully admit that our port area needs some cleaning-up and beautification.
Elena Chiongbian Young, managing director of Wander Lanes Travel Co. Inc.: Cebu has played host to cruise lines such as the Royal Viking, Crystal Cruises and Hapag LLoyds. It is sad to admit that Cebu is not a popular, regular stop for cruise ships. For starters, the seaport’s docking area does not have enough depth to cater to the larger boats. The availability of the berthing space is somewhat dependent on the schedule of the inter-islands vessels. Facilities exclusively for cruise ships such as an honest-to-goodness terminal to expedite the embarkation and disembarkation of the passengers, to name but a few of the must-do activities, are likewise amiss. I also think the constantly changing policies of the government agencies involved in the services make it impossible for the cruise ship operators to anticipate whatever expenses and arrangements have to be made to enable the liner to dock at the pier.
Steve Alfafara, executive vice president and general manager of Eagle Wings of Travel and Tours: Despite excellent port facilities and a vibrant city steeped in history, Cebu is being bypassed by the luxury cruise ships in favor of Manila and other Southeast Asian ports. This can be addressed by zeroing in on those who determine the port-of-call namely the itinerary organizers of the cruise lines. Due to our limited promotional resources, we should invite selected cruise organizers on specialized educational tours not only to increase their destination awareness of Cebu but also to meet with port authorities to dicuss the facilitation of docking procedures. I have often heard – but have not personally experienced – how their restrictions tend to discourage more than encourage cruise ship planners. Since the great majority of cruise ship passengers are wealthy retirees, it is very important to know which ports-of-call are popular with such a market and why. As our Southeast Asian neighbors with secondary ports have proven, having an excellent port and tourist attractions alone – as in the case of Cebu, a historic wooden cross – will not bring in the cruise ships. The solution to include Cebu in the cruise calendars will be found when we can also determine what else our regional counterparts are doing correctly. Why do both cruise organizers and passengers favor Phuket, Penang, Lombok, Da Nang. Why not Cebu?
Marisol Barria, general manager, Cebu Branch of Baron Travel Corporation: Why is Cebu not a regular port-of-call of the cruise ships of the world? The more I repeat the same question in my mind, the more unanswered queries come up such as the following: Is the port infrastructure in place? Have we shared the good news of Cebu with the cruise organizers? Have we promoted it to everyone who cares to listen? I realize that only when we have the answers to these queries will we begin to understand why Cebu is not a regular port-of-call of cruise ships. Surprisingly, with every passing minute, I am getting a clearer picture. Try it. You’ll find the answers – even if you’re not a Cebuano nor residing in Cebu.
They proudly proclaim, "We have what the favorite and popular ports-of-call around the globe offer – in our unique sort of way. So why are we missing the boat?"
Coincidentally I was in Cebu recently and during the last few day of my stay, I contacted the leading tour operators of the island to enlighten us on the question: Why is Cebu not a regular port-of-call of the cruise ships of the world? Let’s give an ear.
Marget Fernan-Villarica, president and general manager of Destination Specialists (Cebu) Inc.: The main reason? Oh, I can easily think of several and enumerate them without any difficulty. You must believe me when I say that all are just as important. But focusing on the primary cause, I would have to zero in on the state of our seaport. Though fabled as it may be and contrary to perception, our pier is simply inadequate to accept cruise liners on a regular basis for it has to share the docks with international cargo vessels that come rather frequently on schedule. The port, sad to admit, does not have an international passenger terminal to provide other services, which incidentally are just too many to mention, that are expected by the officers, staff, crew and most especially by the passengers.
Jenny Franco, managing director of Travelvision Inc.: The cruise lines come up with their own itineraries and programs based on their destinations – destinations which they consider saleable and profitable for their company. Here are some possible reasons why, I suspect, they have not included Cebu as one of their regular ports of call. Firstly, safety and cleanliness. They probably don’t believe that our port is safe enough for their passengers. Upon arrival, what they see are squatters all over the area with street children and beggars hovering around. The entire scenario is a very unpleasant. Secondly, our facilities at port. Simply stated, we truly do not have the services and equipment to handle international cruise ships. We do not even have a decent terminal to receive them before they board the tour buses. Thirdly, marketing and promotions. Both the Department of Tourism and our own local government are not seriously promoting Cebu as a cruise ship destination.
Cecile Sa-A, branch manager of Blue Horizon Travel and Tours Inc.-Cebu: The most realistic reason I can think of why international cruise liners have not made Cebu part of their regular ports of call in their itineraries is due to the fact that the city is not internationally known in the global cruise travel market as an ideal place to visit. There is another constraint. The berth facilities could only allow an advisable ship’s length of 150 meters and a draft limitation of 8.5 meters.
Sheila Colmenares, general manager of Leisure Travel and Tours, Inc.: Here are my reasons why cruise liners don’t dock in Cebu regularly. 1) The bad image we have abroad from political instability to unending kidnappings and many other problems in between. 2) The national government has not allocated enough funds for tourism and is far from being focused on efficiently and effectively promoting our island as a prime destination. 3) The Department of Tourism, together with the private sector, has not convinced enough international cruise operators to include Cebu as one of their regular ports-of-call. 4) Cebu, believe it or not, does not have a port with facilities of international standards.
Aida Uy, president and general manager of Fortune Travel: Cruising, more than ever in the last few years, has become a wholesome and entertaining mode of travel. It sure does offer a package of relaxation and fun. One of the Seven-Point Agenda of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce is to expand sea travel. However, there is still much more to be desired. It seems, the problem, if you can call it that, points to our port facilities that badly need upgrading. To realize this, government agencies such as the DOTC and the DOT should work on making it a reality. Why this is not being done now is perhaps due to lack of a progressive study, aggressive leadership to start it all, logistics, resources and skilled manpower. With the new administration in place, we hope to see a more lucrative future for the cruising industry right here in Cebu.
Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad, manager for branches of Danfil Express Inc.: I have been assured by the Cebu Ports Authority that the Cebu International Port can accommodate cruise ships with a maximum draft of 8.5 meters. And yet Cebu is not included as a regular stopover in various cruise programs. In my opinion, one reason is probably because the port does not have the adequate facilities to serve tourists. Do you know we do not even have a proper, decent passenger terminal at the International Port? More importantly, I personally feel that Cebu has not really been promoted as a cruise destination. We should study this highly specialized market so we may develop on-land optional tour products that will be attractive and acceptable for the cruise lines to consider, including Cebu in its regular routes.
Elizabeth Hauser, branch manager of Metropolitan Tours Philippines, Inc.: After being in the tourism industry for more than a decade and a half, I have observed that only limited cruises ever visit Cebu as part of their itinerary. I feel that the Department of Tourism must concentrate more on this particular market. With the help of the Cebu private sector, we should all have the motivation and the initiative in promoting our city as a cruising destination. After all we have so much to offer from the nearby islands to explore to the fine white sand beaches to the shopping at factory outlets for real bargains. And let’s not forget the historical spots. Cebu is very capable of accommodating the ships, though I must shamefully admit that our port area needs some cleaning-up and beautification.
Elena Chiongbian Young, managing director of Wander Lanes Travel Co. Inc.: Cebu has played host to cruise lines such as the Royal Viking, Crystal Cruises and Hapag LLoyds. It is sad to admit that Cebu is not a popular, regular stop for cruise ships. For starters, the seaport’s docking area does not have enough depth to cater to the larger boats. The availability of the berthing space is somewhat dependent on the schedule of the inter-islands vessels. Facilities exclusively for cruise ships such as an honest-to-goodness terminal to expedite the embarkation and disembarkation of the passengers, to name but a few of the must-do activities, are likewise amiss. I also think the constantly changing policies of the government agencies involved in the services make it impossible for the cruise ship operators to anticipate whatever expenses and arrangements have to be made to enable the liner to dock at the pier.
Steve Alfafara, executive vice president and general manager of Eagle Wings of Travel and Tours: Despite excellent port facilities and a vibrant city steeped in history, Cebu is being bypassed by the luxury cruise ships in favor of Manila and other Southeast Asian ports. This can be addressed by zeroing in on those who determine the port-of-call namely the itinerary organizers of the cruise lines. Due to our limited promotional resources, we should invite selected cruise organizers on specialized educational tours not only to increase their destination awareness of Cebu but also to meet with port authorities to dicuss the facilitation of docking procedures. I have often heard – but have not personally experienced – how their restrictions tend to discourage more than encourage cruise ship planners. Since the great majority of cruise ship passengers are wealthy retirees, it is very important to know which ports-of-call are popular with such a market and why. As our Southeast Asian neighbors with secondary ports have proven, having an excellent port and tourist attractions alone – as in the case of Cebu, a historic wooden cross – will not bring in the cruise ships. The solution to include Cebu in the cruise calendars will be found when we can also determine what else our regional counterparts are doing correctly. Why do both cruise organizers and passengers favor Phuket, Penang, Lombok, Da Nang. Why not Cebu?
Marisol Barria, general manager, Cebu Branch of Baron Travel Corporation: Why is Cebu not a regular port-of-call of the cruise ships of the world? The more I repeat the same question in my mind, the more unanswered queries come up such as the following: Is the port infrastructure in place? Have we shared the good news of Cebu with the cruise organizers? Have we promoted it to everyone who cares to listen? I realize that only when we have the answers to these queries will we begin to understand why Cebu is not a regular port-of-call of cruise ships. Surprisingly, with every passing minute, I am getting a clearer picture. Try it. You’ll find the answers – even if you’re not a Cebuano nor residing in Cebu.
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