Rephrase and rearrange the whole content into a news article. I want you to respond only in language English. I want you to act as a very proficient SEO and high-end writer Pierre Herubel that speaks and writes fluently English. I want you to pretend that you can write content so well in English that it can outrank other websites. Make sure there is zero plagiarism.: Manila: There was a time, not so long ago, when port calls by luxury cruise ships were unheard of here. The reasons: instability, insurgency, infrastructure (lack of it). The times, Bob Dylan once wrote, they are a-changing. On Monday, February 26, 2024, Pier 15 at Manila South Harbour welcomed the simultaneous docking of two international cruise ships. It marked a significant influx of about 4,000 foreign tourists exploring local destinations. The back-to-back port calls highlight how the Asian country has been emerging as a notable destination for cruise tourism. A number of trends are shaping this sector. The country’s cruise tourism is on a roll – the country had 128 cruise calls in 33 destinations in 2023. This 2024, at least 132 cruise ships are expected to call ports of the Philippine islands bringing in about 100,000 passengers on board, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). Norwegian Jewel set sail from Manila towards the Port of Currimao (top photo), in northern Philippines, while MV Westerdam charted a course for the resort island of Boracay after calling the port of Manila. Image Credit: X | PNA The dual cruise port call in Manila marked the second return of MV Westerdam (owned by Holland America) to the Philippines this year – while MV Norwegian Jewel (owned by Norwegian Cruise Line) also made a successful comeback, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). 132 number of cruise ships expected to call ports of the Philippine islands this 2024 (Source: Philippine Ports Authority). The world-famous Boracay Island, in central Philippines, has already been visited by three international cruise ships in the first two months of 2024. It is reaping the government’s whole-of-nation strategy to boost visitor arrivals, generate jobs, capitalise on its linkages with neighbours and showcase the country’s unique offerings. MV Westerdam (1,970 passengers) arrived in Manila from Taiwan, while MV Norwegian Jewel (2,376 passengers) made a prior stop at the Port of Princesa, in Palawan, on the country’s west on February 24. Dancers greet visitors disembarking from the cruise ship Crystal Symphony when it call Puerto Princesa in the Philippines n November 2023.. Image Credit: PNA Tourists on board the ‘Norwegian Jewel’ visit Laoag in Ilocos Norte disembarking at the Port of Currimao. The Asian country has emerge as a notable destination for cruise tourism. Image Credit: Ilocos Norte Tourism Tourism support, traffic plan The upward trajectory of cruise tourism is driven by increasing demand, infrastructure development, and collaborations promoting the country as a premier destination. In anticipation of the organised and seamless arrival of the two cruise ships, the PPA primed their staff and worked with the Port Police to ensure the safety and security of passengers at the pier. Meanwhile, 50 tourist buses were stationed at the pier to facilitate tourist exploration of Manila and Tagaytay. Buses wait for tourists disembarking from cruise ships docked at the port of Manila for a day tour of the city. Image Credit: Philippine Ports Authority A traffic flow plan was devised, with separate lanes for bus tour passengers and those opting for a Do-It-Yourself Tour. 5 cruise terminals to be developed To boost cruise tourism infrastructure this year, and in order to keep the country’s best destination in Asia title, the PPA said it is developing at least five cruise terminals – in Boracay, Coron, Camiguin, Siargao and Puerto Galera – all of which are considered tourist hotbeds. There has been a growing interest in cruise tourism in the Philippines, both among international travelers and domestic tourists. The country’s natural coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for cruise travelers. Image Credit: Governor Aris Aumentado On Nov. 2, 2023, folk dancers greeted passengers and crew disembarking from a luxury cruise ship in Puerto Princesa, in a welcome ceremony arranged by City Tourism Department. The ship’s arrival marks a milestone in the destination’s efforts to boost the city’s tourism market. 7,600 islands The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, offers an alternative to international cruise lines diversifying their routes – to include more destinations within the islands. Traditionally popular ports of call such as Manila, Boracay, and Palawan continue to be frequented – but there’s also an exploration of lesser-known ports like, Laoag, Matnog, Siargao, Davao, and Cebu. ‘Asia’s Best Cruise Destination’ award Last year, the Philippines was honored as “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination” at the esteemed World Cruise Awards for the first time, solidifying its status as a rising star in global cruise and tourism. The World Cruise Awards, affiliated with the renowned World Travel Awards, annually recognises excellence in the cruise industry, drawing anticipation from cruise professionals, media, and consumers worldwide. A cruise ship near the central resort island of Boracay, Philippines. Image Credit: Carlos Celdran | FB Competing for the award were India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. As of October 16, 2023, the Philippines was projected to have 128 cruise calls in 33 destinations, welcoming an estimated 101,000 passengers and 50,000 crew members. Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), cited the country’s natural beauty, beaches, marine life, and hospitality, offering diverse cruise experiences. Notable cruise ships that visited include the Seaborne Encore, Silver Shadow, MSC Poesia, Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Jewel, Coral Adventure, MS Seven Seas Explorer, MS Star Breeze, Silver Whisper, Oceania Cruises, Aidabella, and the Blue Dream Cruise on its maiden voyage to the Philippines. With Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao recently receiving Conde Nast Travel’s Best Islands in Asia Award, the recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination further cements the Philippines as a must-visit for cruise enthusiasts. Philippines: OFW members earn 7%, highest ever, as Pag-IBIG home mutual fund declares $869 million dividends Philippines: 8 IPOs to watch, including GCash, SM REIT, Citicore, Prime Infra, OceanGold, Ovialand, Cosco Capital, Metro Pacific Tollways Philippines: $178 for every elderly upon reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 Economic impact This award validates the tourism industry’s push, highlighting lesser-known destinations in the future. Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the global preference for the country’s island destinations. She credited shared efforts by the government and the private sector for this success, pledging to maintain and enhance the Philippines’ reputation as an outstanding cruise destination. The Cruise ship ‘Seabourn Encore’ docked at the Puerto Princesa City seaport. Cruise tourism contributes to the local economy by generating revenue from passenger spending on excursions, shopping, dining, and other activities. It also creates job opportunities in port cities for tourism-related services. Image Credit: PNA Partnerships for sustainability The government, tourism authorities, and local communities are actively collaborating with cruise lines and international organisations to promote the Philippines as a cruise destination. Health and safety protocols have become a top priority for the cruise industry. Cruise lines operating in the Philippines are implementing rigorous health measures to protect passengers and crew members, including vaccination requirements, testing protocols, and enhanced sanitation practices. There’s a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability within the cruise tourism sector. Cruise lines are adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize their environmental footprint, such as reducing single-use plastics, implementing waste management strategies, and supporting conservation efforts in the destinations they visit.
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