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The Ultimate Guide to PPA Expects Strong Cruise Tourism Growth in 2025

As we enter a new year, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is optimistic about the continued growth of the cruise tourism sector. The industry has shown significant momentum, with multiple cruise vessels making port calls at key destinations across the country.

A Thriving Industry

In January, the luxurious MS Europa 2 made a stop in Bohol as part of its Asian itinerary. This 225-meter vessel carried 372 crew members and 453 passengers, exploring popular attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary. The ship later continued to Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.

Record-Breaking Arrivals

The MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbor on January 30, 2025, following an earlier call that month. This ship carried nearly 2,000 passengers, mostly Filipinos, and made a brief stop in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, before heading to Boracay Island. To enhance the experience, ten buses were provided for guided tours of Manila.

Luxury Cruise Ship MV Silver Whisper

The luxury cruise ship MV Silver Whisper made its maiden call at the Port of Currimao, Ilocos Norte, on January 30, 2025. The port received a warm welcome from PPA PMO NLZ employees, local officials, and representatives from the Department of Tourism. A ceremonial plaque exchange was held with the ship's captain. Before departing for Hong Kong, the 309 passengers and 59 crew aboard Silver Whisper explored historical sites such as Vigan City, Laoag City, and Paoay.

A Growing Trend

These arrivals are part of a broader trend, with seven cruise vessels making port calls across the Philippines. This growth reflects the country's increasing appeal as a top destination for international cruise tourism, especially after the pandemic slowed the sector's growth.

Growth Expectations

In 2024, the PPA recorded a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, totaling 142,574 passengers, up from 88,080 in 2023. The PPA forecasts continued growth in 2025, with expectations of 185,000 cruise passengers, a 29.8 percent increase from the previous year.

PPA's Commitment to Cruise Tourism

As Jay Santiago, General Manager of the PPA, emphasizes, The PPA's cruise-dedicated terminals serve as gateways between international cultures and the Filipino brand of service and warm hospitality. As vessel calls and passenger arrivals continue to increase, local communities, businesses, and the economy will undoubtedly thrive with the booming cruise tourism sector.

Infrastructure Development

The PPA is investing in expanding port infrastructure. Projects include dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin, as well as a new cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Additionally, the PPA completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, in 2024, which is already welcoming international vessels.

A Strong Start for Cruise Tourism in 2025

With a strong start in 2025, the Philippine cruise tourism sector is poised for a successful year. As we look ahead to this promising future, it's clear that the PPA and local communities are well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of this thriving industry.

Conclusion

The ultimate guide to PPA expects strong cruise tourism growth in 2025, with a focus on infrastructure development and increased vessel calls. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect more record-breaking arrivals and a thriving economy.

I made the following changes

1. Improved tone The original text had a somewhat casual tone, which I polished by using more formal language.
2. Grammar and punctuation I corrected grammatical errors and ensured proper punctuation throughout the text.
3. Readability I formatted the text to improve readability, including breaking up long paragraphs into shorter ones and using headings to separate sections.
4. Professionalism I removed colloquialisms and slang, and used more professional language throughout the text.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.