PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The province of Palawan is a “major tourist experience” in cruise tourism in the Mimaropa region as cruise calls continuously increase in 2024, says the tourism department.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Roberto Alabado III said that compared to other provinces in the region, the Puerto Princesa Seaport has the capacity to cater to large cruise ships, adding that the smaller ships or expedition ships go to the other ports in the region that usually cater to exclusive trips.
“Big ships ay more on the Palawan side. Ang pagpasok ng cruise tourists, Palawan is a major tourist experience kasi meron silang malaking port sa Puerto Princesa,” he said.
The eight-hour stay of cruise guests in the city gives Palawan Market an opportunity to sell its local products and delicacies, particularly cashew products.
It is also important to make guests immerse themselves in the local culture and practices in the area to promote experiential tourism.
“Baka nahihiya kayo na ipapa-tricycle ‘yong mga turista natin. Sa totoo lang, ‘yon ang gusto ko na gawin niyo. Ibigay natin sa kanila, ‘yong hindi nila nararanasan doon sa sarili nilang bansa. Wala silang tricycle don,” he said.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOT shared that in 2023, the Philippines welcomed 101,573 cruise passengers from 125 cruise calls. As per the latest record, it increased to 123,042 passengers from 117 cruise calls in 2024, which indicates continued growth and interest in the Philippines’ cruise tourism portfolio.
The growth is evidence that the Philippines plays as the “greenfield” of cruise tourism, Alabado said, stressing that the cruise tourism was supposed to grow further if not only hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ibig sabihin medyo nagsawa na ‘yong nandon sa China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Nakikita nila ang Philippines as a green pasture of tourism. Karamihan sa kanila ay pumupunta talaga sa Mimaropa,” he said.
In an earlier report, the department projects 37 cruise calls in the region throughout 2024, of which 28 will dock in Puerto Princesa City, Coron, El Nido, and the Balabac Islands based on the January 8, 2024 schedule. The ships are expected to bring over 40,000 passengers and crew to the region. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
