Ted Blamey, principal of CHART Management Consultants was tapped by DOT and USAID to lead the team in undertaking an extensive field work, interviews, analysis, and direction-setting in 2015 to finalize the cruise strategy.
Joining him were CHART’s Associates, Capt. Luigi Nappa, Rod Davies and Consultant Miles Griffiths.
A series of workshops were conducted this month in Manila by CHART for the many stakeholders under the auspices of Philippine Department of Tourism. Two of the days were foused on Cruise Port Manila and the two primary transit ports, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, assisted by Mark Ittel, vp of Miami-based Bermello Ajamil.
In 2016, the Philippines attracted 72 cruise calls. With its more than 7,000 islands it provides many excellent opportunities for cruise tourism. The Philippines offers rich diversity – from ancient Spanish heritage, culture and history through bustling metropolitan centers to pristine beaches and stunning scenery.
'We also boast of world-class shopping, dining, gaming, and perhaps the warmest welcomes on the planet,' said Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. who heads the Cruise Tourism Development Committee for the Philippines.
Another strength is the predominance of Philippine nationals serving on the world’s cruise fleet, bringing great credit to their homeland, he added.
'As a key element of our strategy, we are determined to build new dedicated cruise facilities, most especially in Manila. A superior cruise port and terminal in the capital, with its extensive airlift and ground facilities, will create a compelling reason for large ships to spend time in the Philippines. Once here, they can achieve outstanding port density with efficient cruising speeds,' said Undersecretary Bengzon.
The Cruise Strategy also identified developments in the Turquoise Triangle linking the popular tourist destinations of Manila, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The potential for new cruise destinations in the north of Luzon, where ships departing East Asian hubs can arrive after one day at sea, has likewise been pinpointed in the plan.
'Developing the Philippines will be great for the Asian cruise industry' said Blamey. 'As the mainstream Asian source markets begin to develop, slightly longer cruise durations will become popular. This is especially because they will allow much more diverse itineraries, offer distinctively different destinations and optimize winter deployment. The DOT is to be congratulated for their foresight in commissioning and moving forward with the strategy. It is perfect timing,' he added.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who is championing the new direction within the Philippine government commented: 'We are confident that this comprehensive strategy and our plans will set a course for the Philippines to become a much more prominent cruise destination in the future.'
The Philippines expects not only to dramatically increase the number of transit calls, but also position itself as an alternative homeport between Singapore and China/Hong Kong, Secretary Teo enthused.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.
