The government is working to develop ports capable of receiving cruise ships while it assesses more emerging destinations for travelers looking for unique experiences, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.

At the Seatrade Cruise Asia in Taguig City, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the DOT is working closely with the Department of Transportation over the development of key ports in the country.

In Manila, the DOT is also in talks with the city government and the administrators of the Manila South Harbor to further improve the experience for arriving cruise passengers.

“Ang gusto natin ay positive ‘yong experience ng ating mga turista. Ninanais natin na ‘yong touch points ng mga turista, where the moment they reach Philippine shores, will be positive (What we want is a positive experience for our tourists. We want to ensure that they have a positive experience the moment they reach the Philippines shores),” Frasco said.

Frasco made the statement as the Philippines expects to welcome at least 109 cruise calls in 40 destinations this year, including in emerging sites like Ticao Island and Culion.

The cruise sector is seeing a “steadily recovering” Asia market post-pandemic, with more destinations reopening and traveler confidence returning as well.

During a panel session, MSC Cruises President for Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia division Oliviero Morelli said the cruise line will be opening a Singapore office next year to look at Southeast Asia more closely.

“MSC Cruises have been focusing mainly on North Asia for the past decade— now it’s time to shift and focus more South,” he said.

“Southeast Asia’s population is nearly 700 million, and GDP is over USD3.5 trillion, so the possibility in the region (is) unique. Personally, I’m already in love with the Philippines, and I can see a ship based here in the next two to four years,” he added.

Celebrity Cruises Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific Tim Jones, meanwhile, recognized the Philippines for “being at the forefront of cruise itinerary conversations,” praising government initiatives to attract more cruise ships, including its Cruise Visa Waiver program.

In an interview, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the government is hoping to position the country as a “cruise hub” known for authentic experiences and rich culture.

“They (stakeholders and cruise executives) view Asia as having one of the biggest growth potentials in terms of cruise tourism, vis-a-vis the rest of the world. And so for me, it’s a very good place to start for the Philippines, because it’s not saturated at all, and there is still an element of mystery and surprise in terms of what we have to offer,” she said.

“That’s why we’re working very hard that our policies, our infrastructure, all the climate for investment in the Philippines is positive to allow them to come and to come in droves,” she added.

The Philippine Ports Authority is advancing port development with new facilities in key destinations, including Siargao, Coron, and Boracay.

Simultaneously, Frasco said the DOT is conducting assessments across emerging cruise destinations to ensure that they provide “seamless, safe and unforgettable experiences” for visiting cruise passengers. (PNA)