MEDIA RELEASE

Philippines adopts National Cruise Tourism Strategy

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has completed its first Cruise Tourism Development
Strategy under the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Ted Blamey, Principal of CHART Management Consultants was tapped by USAID and DOT 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 CHARTs Associates, Capt. Luigi Nappa and Rod
Davies.
To date, the Philippines has largely been undiscovered, with its more than 7,000 islands providing
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 newly formed
Cruise Tourism Committee for the Philippines.
In 2015, the Philippines attracted 52 port calls for an 18 percent rise from last years total of 44.
Cruise passenger volume also rose to 69,802 in 2015, up 16 percent from 60,183 passengers in fullyear 2014. The growth in cruise tourism in the country is attributed to the strong support from the
government and private sectors, as well as the enthusiasm of major cruise lines to visit not only one
island, but several islands across the Philippine archipelago.
As a key element of the 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 that 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 the next day, has
likewise been pinpointed in the plan.
Developing the Philippines will be great for the Asian cruise industry said Ted Blamey, CHART
Principal. 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 the strategy. It is perfect timing, he added.
The Philippine Cruise Strategy project originated from the recommendation at the Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) Forum in Manila in 2014. The active participation and sage advice of
the CLIA members and the USAID executives was hugely beneficial. And without the enthusiastic
support of many DOT executives and buy-in from the government and private sector, this work would
not have been possible. The Philippines is going to be a cruise destination to watch! said Mr. Blamey.
We are confident that this comprehensive strategy and associated action plans will set a course for
the Philippines to become a much more prominent cruise destination in the future. The strategy fits
perfectly into the National Tourism Development Plan and aligns with the country's commitment to

DOT Media Release

Page 1

enhance its attractiveness to the worlds cruise lines, Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., who
is championing the new direction within the Philippine government, said.
With the implementation commencing this year, "Our investments in infrastructure, streamlining of
regulatory services, and development of attractions through close coordination with stakeholders will
definitely excite the interest of cruise lines and their guests. The Philippines expects not only to
dramatically increase the number of transit calls, but also position itself as a much-needed alternative
homeport between Singapore and China/Hong Kong, Secretary Jimenez enthused.

Photo from left Philippine Ports Authority Engr. Reynaldo Parafina, CHART Management Consultants Capt Luigi Nappa, Mr.
Rod Davies and Mr. Ted Blamey, Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A.
Abaya, Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, USAID Chief of
Party Enrico L. Basilio, Transportation Undersecretary Catherine Gonzales, and Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando
Canizal.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.
Undersecretary
Department of Tourism
Telephone Number: +63 2 815-0859
Email Address: bcbengzonjr@tourism.gov.ph
Ms. Jasmin C. Esguerra
Director
Media and Communications Service
Department of Tourism
Telephone Number: +63 2 459-5200 local 308
Email Address: jcesguerra@tourism.gov.ph

DOT Media Release

Page 2