The Cebu Port Authority disclosed on Tuesday that it is seeing at least three major seaports in the province of Cebu as potential docking stations for international cruise ships in line with the provincial government's goal to develop international cruise tourism.

According to CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III, the ports were identified as the Cebu International Port, Port 88 in Liloan and Cebu South Harbor and Container Terminal in Talisay City.

"This is a welcome opportunity for the Port of Cebu to be able to feature our world-class port facilities here and to be acknowledged on a global scale. We are closely collaborating with DOT on this to also ensure the readiness of our ports in anticipation of more port calls from top cruise ship lines," Comendador said.

Previously, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco reiterated the agency's target to make the Philippines as a top cruise tourism destination.

The plan to make Cebu as destination for international cruise liners is in line with the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan of the DoT.

It aims to promote and market the Philippines as an attractive and diverse cruise destination, offering high-level customer satisfaction and cost-effective deployment for cruise liners operating in major homeports in Asia.

Comendador said DoT officials were joined by executives of Wallem Philippines Shipping Inc. and partner international offshore handlers in inspecting CIP last week.

Currently, the CIP serves as main ports for international cargo, bulk and breakbulk cargo vessels while the Cebu South Port and Container Terminal Services Corp. is a new privately-owned container yard for breakbulk cargo operations.

Port 88 is a privately-owned smart port in Liloan that enhances connectivity to Mactan island and Camotes island group.