Looking ahead to a cruise
PREPARATIONS are underway for the holding of the
Cruise Travel Tourism and Maritime
Careers Convention
2024 on June 11-12,
2024, at the SMX
Mall of Asia-Manila.
The convention is expected to draw prospective tourists who wish to taste the luxury and tranquility of sea travel, and government and stakeholders are joining hands to make the Philippines a favored option for cruise tourists.
International and regional cruise operators have been invited to catch on to the developments and programs making this archipelago an attractive and exciting destination for cruise shipping in the Asian region. Officials and leaders of local government units (LGUs) of premier tourist sites who are intently working to further develop and promote the places of interest in their localities have readily agreed to support and actively participate in the Convention by unveiling the unique brand of Philippine tourism. The country’s Boracay Beach and El Nido in Palawan have been topping the list of the most enthralling beaches in the world and have hosted droves of tourists, divers and water sports enthusiasts, many of whom expressed the desire to come back.
At the meeting with stakeholders last week, the convenor of the convention, WMOC Group of Companies, led by the husband and wife team of Noli and Rachelle Lopez, emphasized the importance of collaboration between and among the government and stakeholders in achieving the tourism targets, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledges as an important factor toward economic development. There was consensus among the private sector representatives that for Philippine cruise shipping to prosper, high-level commitment from the government is crucial, especially in putting together a competitive yet well-organized cruise tourism landscape.
The convention will provide the platform for communicating recent developments and reforms on policies, rules and regulations, systems, and procedures relating to tourism and travel. It provides a venue to roll out the infrastructure makeover which is taking place across the country. The chains of hotel and lodging facilities are all aimed at making travelers and guests experience pleasant and comfortable sojourns in the archipelago, which will be a main feature of the exhibit during the convention.
While the appalling anecdotal accounts encountered by passengers of cruise ships that made calls on Philippine ports were brought to the fore, the stakeholders present at the meeting still aired a sense of optimism on the marketability of the Philippines as a cruise hub once the needed reforms are completed. One of the main objectives of the convention, therefore, is to synthesize the ongoing infrastructure developments in all modes of transport, including road, railways, aviation, sea crafts and ports. Services in the areas of communications, banking, power, and health facilities, all of which are important components of an attractive tourist haven, shall be showcased as well. International and local resource speakers will share their expertise on the subject of ship cruises and travel and shall give notice and advice to the government on the best practices to raise the Philippines’ tourism.
Launching a Philippine cruise tourism, which will cater to local tourists and travelers, will boost the government’s campaign to enhance Filipinos’ awareness of the archipelagic character of their country. By exploring the country through a cruise, Filipinos will gain a wider understanding of the various dimensions of the archipelago, which will contribute to their recognition of the maritime interests of the Philippines.
The economic benefits gained through tourism is a subject widely discussed in many fora and employment generation receives considerable cognizance in many respects. The Philippine Maritime Convention 2024 coincides with the month when the global community celebrates the “Day of the Seafarer,” and with good reason, to promote not only the merchant marine profession but also highlight other equally gratifying maritime careers that are open to the country’s students and workforce.
Filipino, think maritime! Join the Cruise Travel Tourism and Maritime Careers Convention 2024!