The Philippines has 7,000 islands. So why is it not attracting more cruise ships?
- For years the Philippines has lagged behind its neighbours in attracting cruise visitors, partly because of spotty infrastructure
- This is set to change, with a new dedicated cruise port in Manila and a focus on tourist spots such as Boracay and Puerto Princesa
With the economy in danger of notching its slowest expansion since 2011, tourism is emerging as a key focus of efforts to boost growth. Tourism accounted for 12.7 per cent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product last year, already beating the government’s goal of 10 per cent by 2022. Government officials are revising up the targets in the country’s tourism development plan.
“There is great potential in cruise tourism,” said Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon. “While our Asian neighbours have the advantage of a regional land connectivity, our archipelago is ideal for cruise tourism.”
The Philippines’ cruise strategy focuses on Manila, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, as well as potential new destinations in the northern part of Luzon, the country’s main island. Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur province, expected to open this month, will receive Royal Caribbean Cruises’ biggest ship in Asia in December. The “Spectrum of the Seas” will return again in January and February.