The Government of the Philippines will boost the country’s cruise tourism from 2020 by attracting more cruise tourists arriving with international ships at the Salomague Ilocos Cruise Port, near the northern tip of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.
Specifically, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas called the terminal the previous week, while it is scheduled to make a number of return calls at the port in 2020. Guillaume Lucci, senior advisor for operator Bloomberry Cruise Terminals commented that Spectrum of the Seas is the first call to the first dedicated cruise facility in the Philippines.
Ilocos Sur First District Representative and Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano stated that
Cruise tourism, form of travelling on a cruise ship, can also provide an opportunity for communities to showcase Ilocano practices and talents.
Also, the Ilocos terminal is one of the two projects being operated by the Bloombery Cruise Terminals, which is also constructing a new $300 million cruise terminal and resort complex in Manila.
Recently, the Department of Tourism in the Ilocos (DOT-RO1) Regional Director, Jeff Ortega, informed that DOT has set the goal to provide to locals seasonal and alternative livelihood, something that will be achieved through tourism.
Savellano and Ortega welcomed 4,490 passengers of Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship in the province last January 6.
Concluding, Savellano said that Ilocos Cruise Port is expected to welcome new international cruise ship’s arrival this February 26 with over 2,000 passengers.
