PH bags best ports of call award amid intensified cruise tourism push

The Philippines has won the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024 award at the 10th Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju Island, South Korea last July 10, 2024.  (Photo by DOT via PNA)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has won the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024 award at the 10th Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju Island, South Korea amid the government’s intensified push to boost the country’s cruise tourism.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) received the award during a ceremony at the Asia Cruise Forum on July 10.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the award highlights the efforts of cruise tourism stakeholders in revitalizing the country’s cruise industry post-pandemic.

“These accolades reaffirm our vision and validate our efforts in positioning our country as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts,” she said.

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.

In announcing the citation, the DOT said the Asia Cruise Awards, celebrated during the Asia Cruise Forum, honors excellence across various sectors of the cruise industry.

Other awards presented at the ceremony include Asia’s Best Cruise Ship, Asia’s Best Cruise Homeport, and Special Achievement Awards.

Awardees are selected by the Asia Cruise Leaders’ Network, which comprises 74 member organizations from nine countries, and in which the Philippines is currently an observer.

In 2023, the country bagged the Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award during the World Cruise Awards.

Earlier this week, the DOT also launched the cruise visa waiver, which eases the entry for visa-required foreign nationals vacationing on a cruise ship in the Philippines.

For 2024, the DOT anticipates at least 117 port calls.