5 new cruise terminals to be built
By J.Lo
"On part of PPA, we have started building terminals dedicated for cruise operations only, and we are making sure existing ports can accommodate gigantic cruise ships that will come in," Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago said PPA will add five new cruise terminals across archipelago in bid to keep country's title as Best Cruise Destination in Asia.
PPA is developing cruise terminals in Boracay, Coron, Camiguin, Siargao and Puerto Galera, all of which are considered tourist hotbeds of Philippines.
At present, country can welcome cruise boats in just five ports, mostly in Luzon. These ports are Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, El Nido and Tagbilaran.
Between October and December, Santiago estimates more than 40,000 tourists will visit Philippines via cruise ship by industry giants such as AIDA Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Windstar Cruises.
On Oct. 16, World Cruise Awards named Philippines as Best Cruise Destination in Asia for 2023, besting India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
As of September, PPA has facilitated entry of 46,657 passengers from cruise vessels since cruise tours returned to country in February.
Agency is currently spending P620 million to deliver first of its kind at Port of Jubang in Siargao.
Prior to the pandemic in 2019, Philippines took in 213,765 passengers from cruise ships, majority of which called at Port of Manila.
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