MANILA, 23 July 2024: The Philippines has launched a cruise visa waiver programme (CVW) to strengthen the country’s status as a premier cruise destination in Asia.
The initiative will streamline visa processes and attract more international cruise ships to the country, which has more than 7,600 islands and historic cities steeped in heritage and culture.
The Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) finalised details of the programme following a series of “listening tour convergence meetings” with tourism stakeholders, including the private sector.
During the launch of the visa waiver for cruise visitors, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the importance of the CVW programme in promoting convenience and accessibility for cruise tourists.
“It is imperative for us to fully harness the potential of our destinations and open up opportunities to all of our region’s provinces, cities, and municipalities. Therefore, the cruise visa waiver programme allowing the Philippines to become more accessible, welcoming, and attractive to the world is a welcome initiative,” the Tourism Chief explained.
The scheme provides a fast means for visa-required cruise tourists to visit the Philippines under the waiver process. Eligible tourists must arrive and depart via cruise ship, be handled by a Bureau of ImmigrationI-accredited cruise tour operator, and hold a passport valid for at least six months from their arrival date.
The programme should increase cruise ship arrivals, contributing to the DOT’s goal of boosting foreign tourist arrivals and enhancing the overall tourism experience, which is aligned with the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the country’s tourism growth and appeal as a cruise destination. This year, cruise ships will make 117 port calls, during which guests can go ashore to join sightseeing tours.
In 2023, 101,000 cruise passengers visited the Philippines during 123 port calls, while the DOT forecasts 117 port calls in 2024 with 118,000 cruise visitors.
Challenges for cruises visiting the Philippines
While the Philippines is working to attract more cruises, there are still challenges.
Limited port infrastructure: Some popular tourist destinations lack proper cruise terminals to handle larger ships.
Environmental concerns: There are worries about the impact of large cruise ships anchoring near coral reefs.
Balancing economic benefits: Cruise passengers can generate revenue through shore excursions, but they typically don’t stay long and spend less than mainstream tourists.
Philippines picks up cruise award
Meanwhile, the Philippines received the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024 award at the 10th Asia Cruise Awards, held earlier this month during the Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju Island, Korea.
In a ceremonial awarding of the cruise citation held during the launch of the Cruise Visa Waiver (CVW) Programme on 16 July, Secretary Frasco added: “These accolades reaffirm our vision and validate our efforts in positioning our country as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts.”
The annual Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju provides a platform for cruise industry stakeholders to collaborate on creating a competitive advantage for Asia in the cruise tourism landscape. The Asia Cruise Awards celebrated during the forum, honour excellence across various sectors of the cruise industry.
(SOURCE: Department of Tourism Philippines)
