The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is moving forward with the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy completed earler this year with assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

 Ted Blamey, Principal of CHART Management Consultants was tapped by DOT and USAID to lead the team in undertaking an extensive field work, interviews, analysis, and direction-setting in 2015 to finalize the cruise strategy. Joining him were CHART’s Associates, Capt. Luigi Nappa, Rod Davies and Consultant Miles Griffiths

A series of workshops were conducted this month in Manila by CHART for the many stakeholders under the auspices of Philippine Department of Tourism. Two of the days were foused on Cruise Port Manila and the two primary transit ports, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, greatly assisted by Mark Ittel, VP of Bermello Ajamil, Miami-based experts in cruise port and terminal design and development.

To date, the Philippines with its more than 7,000 islands provides many excellent opportunities for cruise tourism. The Philippines offers rich diversity – from ancient Spanish heritage, culture and history through bustling metropolitan centers to pristine beaches and stunning scenery.

"We also boast of world-class shopping, dining, gaming, and perhaps the warmest welcomes on the planet,” said Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. who heads the Cruise Tourism Development Committee for the Philippines. Another strength is the predominance of Philippine nationals serving on the world’s cruise fleet, bringing great credit to their homeland.

In 2016, the Philippines will have attracted just 72 cruise calls. But future growth in cruise tourism is guaranteed with strong support from the government and private sectors, a highly professional and experienced network of port agents and tour operators, plus growing awareness from major cruise lines of all the Philippine archipelago has to offer.

“As a key element of our strategy, we are determined to build new dedicated cruise facilities, most especially in Manila. A superior cruise port and terminal in the capital, with its extensive airlift and ground facilities, will create a compelling reason for large ships to spend time in the Philippines. Once here, they can achieve outstanding port density with efficient cruising speeds,” said Undersecretary Bengzon.

The Cruise Strategy also identified developments in the Turquoise Triangle linking the popular tourist destinations of Manila, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The potential for new cruise destinations in the north of Luzon, where ships departing East Asian hubs can arrive after one day at sea, has likewise been pinpointed in the plan.