Gov't Eyes Manila Port for Cruise Tourism

As the government embarks on a P4-billion effort to build cruise terminals, it is eyeing to locate the largest one in Manila to promote the city as a potential home port for Asian tours.

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) wants to establish a dedicated terminal in Manila for cruise vessels to help the Marcos administration reach its target of 12 million tourist arrivals by 2028.

If the project is costlier than expected, the PPA may work with a private entity that will build, operate and maintain the infrastructure.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said a dedicated port for cruise arrivals in Manila could also turn the city into a home port for regional tours. If this happens, foreigners will have to fly to Manila first before they can embark on their cruise ship.

"What we want to happen also is to make that terminal a home port for cruise ships. If they want to tour the Philippines or explore Southeast Asia, they have to fly to Manila and take the cruise ship from here," Santiago told The STAR.

Santiago said the PPA is looking to add at least 500,000 to the country's visitor arrivals by 2028 through cruise tourism.