MANILA, Philippines - At the Philippine Cruise Industry Workshop held recently Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said that cruise arrivals in the Philippines grew by 48 percent in the last two years since 2011 amounting close to 20,000 in 2013. International cruise lines calling in the country have increased substantially, with 16 cruise vessels last year from just 10 in 2011.
Secretary Jimenez believes that what is now considered a niche market will see an increase in demand in the years ahead.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has initially identified five to six ports in the country, which will play a major role in harnessing infrastructure investment that would address the increasing demand for cruise tourism in the country and the development of waterfront activities.
The DOT and CLIA both commit to cooperate in developing the Philippine cruise industry. “The most important cruise experience in the Philippines is definitely meeting and befriending the Filipino people who are eager to share various facets of living life to the fullest - one of the reasons why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.