PH seen to become a major hub for international cruise ships

In a report by PhilStar, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo reveals that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is in talks with major cruise lines, to further strengthen the country’s bid to be a major hub in Asia.

MANILA TO BECOME CRUISE HUB. Talks have been ongoing with PH Tourism officials and major cruise lines as to make Manila a major hub in Asia. Image grabbed from Cruise Discuss

According to Secretary Teo, the agency and big cruise lines Carnival Cruise Line and Genting Group have “both agreed that Philippines has the potential to become one of Asia’s cruise hubs.”

Genting Hong Kong’s Star Cruises announced that Superstar Virgo’s home port will be in Manila, starting this summer. It shall start docking in Manila from March until May of this year. As per Genting Dream Cruise Line SVP Michael Goh, Superstar Virgo will have a 5-day cruise itinerary with Manila to Laoag, to Kaohsiung in Taiwan, to Hong Kong then back to Manila for its route.

As per Tourism Undersecretary for Administration Rolando Canizal, DOT officials will be meeting with representatives of international cruise line Royal Carribean next week.

Source: PhilStar, Inquirer Lifestyle