Phl, Taiwan eye new air, sea routes to boost tourism, trade ties

The governments of Taiwan and the Philippines will explore opening air and sea routes to boost tourism arrivals and strengthen bilateral cooperation, officials said ahead of the Taiwan-Philippines Smart Harbor Forum scheduled from 9 to 11 December in Kaohsiung.

One of the forum’s key goals is to promote collaboration between the southern Taiwan harbor, the Port of Subic Bay, and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, given the province’s geographic proximity to Taiwan.

Ilocos Norte is home to the International Seaport of Currimao, one of the ports being pushed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) as a potential cruise vessel destination.

In 2024, the PPA recorded a 61.9 percent surge in cruise passenger arrivals, reaching 142,574 passengers — up from 88,080 in 2023. This marks the highest post-pandemic figure, and the agency projects continued momentum in 2025, with arrivals expected to hit 185,000, a 29.8 percent increase.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, who will attend the forum, said the province is eager to strengthen ties with Taiwan.

“Our presence at the forum will signify our serious commitment to doing business with Taiwan,” she said.

Beyond seaport linkages, Araneta-Marcos will also discuss with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) and Taiwan tourism officials the possible revival of the Kaohsiung–Laoag charter flights.

According to Ilocos Norte tourism officer Aianree Raquel, a direct flight from Kaohsiung International Airport to Laoag International Airport takes only about an hour, making Taiwan a prime market for tourism growth. Laoag International Airport previously received regular chartered flights from Guangzhou and Kaohsiung in the 1990s and 2000s until flights ceased in 2010 due to security and other concerns.

The forum is part of the government’s efforts to advance the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor initiative.

In 2024, 208,736 Taiwanese tourists visited the Philippines, according to the Department of Tourism.