The arrival of cruise ships in this northern Luzon gateway continues to benefit more locals by generating more jobs and sustaining the livelihood of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
On Wednesday, international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky arrived at Currimao Port in Ilocos Norte with around 1,914 passengers and 863 crew members, 70 percent of them Filipinos, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
Tour operator Angel Lao of Travel Ilocandia Tours and Travel reported that over 6,000 international cruise passengers had arrived in the Ilocos Region during the first two months of the year, solidifying the region’s emergence as a prime destination for luxury ships.
“Cruise tourism in Ilocos Norte has significantly benefited the local community. As a tour operator, we collaborate with tour guides, bus and van operators, and restaurants, thereby boosting tourism in the region and providing economic benefits for many,” Lao said in an interview.
She added that “the local community of Currimao also benefits as guests enjoy the beach, contributing to the area’s economic growth.”
To enhance the experience of the 700 cruise passengers who signed up for the day-long shore exploration in Ilocos Region’s historical places and heritage sites such as the wonder city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur and the Saint Augustine Church of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, Lao said they have collaborated with 21 buses, 21 guides, and 10 coordinators.
Other passengers have opted for free and easy activity inside the ship and at the port where they are docked, she added.
Based on the current 13-day itinerary from Singapore to Keelung in Taipei, Taiwan, the MV Norwegian Sky arrived at the Manila South Harbor on Feb. 18 and proceeded to Currimao before heading to Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
Other places visited in the Philippines include Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Boracay Island in Caticlan.
Senior tourism operations officer Araceli Salem of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Ilocos Region expressed optimism about the continued growth of the cruise tourism sector this year, with several cruise vessels making port calls at key destinations across the country.
On Feb. 23, Crystal Symphony is expected to arrive at the same port.
In 2024, the PPA recorded a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, totaling to 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.