The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing for the “liberalization” of visa policies for cruise passengers as it positions the country as a “premier cruise destination” in the region.

“The DOT is working very closely with the Bureau of Immigration on the aspect of the liberalization of cruise tourism visas — an announcement will be made very soon on this aspect,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit in Makati City on Friday.

“I assure our stakeholders in the cruise tourism industry na ang focus ng DOT ay ang pag-expand ng number of cruise tourism destinations sa Pilipinas (that our focus here at the DOT is to expand our cruise tourism destinations in the Philippines),” she added.

In a recent interview, DOT Region 1 (Ilocos Region) Director Jeff Ortega shared that one cruise liner has reached out to the DOT and cited the “same-day visa restriction” for its passengers, specifically Chinese nationals, as a challenge.

On top of easing cruise passenger entry, Frasco said the government is focusing on improving cruise tourism infrastructure across the country.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) earlier disclosed its plan to build more ports dedicated to cruise tourism, including in Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, and Puerto Galera.

Currently, among the ports under PPA that cater to cruise vessels are the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol, and El Nido, Palawan.

In 2023, the country recorded 125 cruise calls, bringing in an estimated 101,573 passengers to Philippine shores.

As of May 28 this year, the DOT has logged 117 cruise calls with an estimated 123,042 passengers. (PNA)