THE Philippines is composed of thousands of islands and is truly rich in beautiful beaches that lead to various tourist destinations.
Because of this, the private sector said, the potential of cruise tourism in the country is enormous.
In fact, many foreign cruise companies are interested in making the country a regular route.
“To tell you honestly, it’s huge. Foreigners we talk to from other countries say the Philippines is a gem,” said Rachelle Lopez, CEO, WMOC Group of Companies.
“They are so willing. Willing to invest here. They want to have a voyage here, a regular route here,” Lopez added.
Foreign cruise companies struggle to enter the PH due to lengthy Processes—Private Sector
However, according to Rachelle Lopez of WMOC Group of Companies, many cruise companies find it difficult because of the numerous processes they must go through before entering the Philippines, from permits to passenger documents.
“These cruise ships do not stay overnight here. They only have barely eight hours to stay at a port.”
“We need to have a good system. Like what we say, a one–window policy,” Lopez stressed.
She added that the processing of required documents should already be online.
For a shipping company, it is time for the government to focus on and ensure the ‘ease of doing business.’
“The process of ship entry, the disembarkation of tourists from the vessel, it takes time now. Because that’s the first thing tourists see, that when they are in the Philippines, it takes a long time to disembark because the ship is still being cleared,” Capt. Ronald Enrile, SVP, PTC Ship Management stated.
Private sector urges government to focus on building more infrastructure at tourist destinations
According to Captain Ronald Enrile of Philippine Transmarine Carrier Incorporated, the government should also prioritize the construction of more infrastructure at tourist destinations.
This is to encourage cruise companies to make the country a regular route.
“We have a lot of nice tourist spots but the issue is the infrastructure. We have to have access, roads, hospitals, and everything that tourists needs. We need government assistance for us to promote our country as a destination,” Enrile said.
Expo Maritime PH to promote cruise travel and maritime tourism in the country
In line with this, Expo Maritime Philippines will be held to further promote cruise travel and maritime tourism in the country on July 11, 2024.
“This maritime expo is one avenue to help the government. Because the private sector has already opened these issues. So what we are asking the government during the convention is to show what we can offer to the world, what we are doing, and what our improvements are to become a destination,” Enrile said.
DOT ensures the construction and development of tourism infrastructure
Meanwhile the Department of Tourism has also assured that the government is currently focusing on the development of infrastructures such as airports and roads.
“The public private partnership process initiated by the national government through the Department of Transportation is now ongoing. And we are eager to see this PPP process to come into fruition in order the airport may be expanded and improved because it is our job to ensure that the tourist journey is as convenient, safe, and pleasurable as possible. On the aspect of roads we have a convergence with the Public Works and Highways and our tourism road infrastructure project continues,” Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, Department of Tourism said.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also mentioned that they have submitted a budget proposal for additional roads in emerging tourist destinations for 2024.
Moreover, the DOT continues to construct tourist rest areas aimed at providing comfort to tourists, such as clean and spacious restrooms.
