Cruise Tourism Boosts Local Economy in Northern Philippines
The arrival of international cruise ships at ports in the Northern Philippines’ Ilocos Region is significantly boosting the importance of cruise tourism in the country.
Cruise arrivals are benefiting local communities as these generate more jobs while sustaining micro, small, and medium enterprises.
On February 19, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported that the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel Norwegian Sky arrived at Currimao Port in Ilocos Norte and brought around 1,914 passengers and 863 crew members, of which 70 percent were Filipinos.
Based on its current 13-day itinerary from Singapore to Keelung in Taipei, Taiwan, the MV Norwegian Sky previously docked at Manila South Harbor on February 18 before heading to Currimao and will continue to Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
The ship’s itinerary also includes stops at Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Boracay Island in Caticlan. In 2024, the PPA reported a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals with a total of 142,574 passengers, compared to 88,080 in 2023. The PPA projects continued growth for 2025, with expectations of welcoming 185,000 cruise passengers, marking a 29.8 percent increase from the previous year.
Tourism operations officer Araceli Salem of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Ilocos Region expressed optimism about the continued growth of the cruise tourism sector this year, with several vessels making port calls at key destinations across the country.
Surging Numbers
According to tour operator Angel Lao from Travel Ilocandia Tours and Travel, over 6,000 international cruise passengers have already arrived in the Ilocos Region during the first two months of the year, cementing the region’s emergence as a prime destination for luxury cruises.
Lao stated: “Cruise tourism in Ilocos Norte has significantly benefited the local community. We collaborate with tour guides, bus and van operators, and restaurants, thereby boosting tourism in the region and providing economic benefits for many.”
She noted that the local community of Currimao is also seeing rewards as visitors enjoy the beach, prompting economic growth.
To enhance the experience of the 700 cruise passengers who participated in a day-long shore exploration of Ilocos Region’s historical sites and heritage locations, such as the famed city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur and the Saint Augustine Church in Paoay, Lao coordinated with 21 buses, 21 guides, and ten coordinators.
