Cruise tourism gaining momentum, says PPA

MANILA, Philippines  -The Port of Coron welcomed nearly 2,000 tourists aboard the MV AidaBella from Germany on Christmas Day, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said, noting that cruise tourism has been gaining momentum following the easing of mobility restrictions.

The PPA, in a statement on Thursday, reported that 1,994 German tourists and about 600 crew members arrived at the Palawan port on Dec. 25.

“It is good that the passengers can now experience again the warmth of the Filipino culture and the hospitality of the people receiving them,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.

The port regulator noted the tourists went to popular tourist attractions in Palawan, including Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and the Twin Lagoons.

READ: More cruise ships seen sailing to PH

“From the ports upon arrival, we make sure they are given the proper treatment and we make sure that they are welcomed warmly in our newly improved passenger terminals,” he added.

In March, PPA inaugurated the P267-million terminal at the Port of Coron. Santiago said the port’s capacity has since then doubled to 500 passengers, which can be expanded to up to 900 during peak season.

READ: Newly upgraded Palawan port ready to serve tourists, travelers

Earlier, PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said they were expecting the arrival of 40,000 cruise ship passengers during the last quarter.

As of September, the local ports have served 46,657 passengers since the resumption of cruise tourism in February. No cruise ships sailed during the pandemic because of the strict mobility restrictions.

PPA-run ports that serve cruise vessels are the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol and El Nido, Palawan.