KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — The Departments of Tourism and Transportation have expressed full support for the revival of the Kaohsiung–Laoag flight, as proposed by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, noting that Taiwanese visitors remain a key source of foreign tourist arrivals for the Philippines.

At the Taiwan–Philippines Smart Port Development Forum on Wednesday, Araneta-Marcos said direct flights to Taiwan’s southern city would greatly benefit Ilocano overseas Filipino workers.

“They will not anymore shell out money for a fare going to Manila when going to Taiwan, particularly to Kaohsiung, when we relive that route. That will benefit our workforce,” Araneta-Marcos said in an interview.

The governor added that stronger collaboration with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office and Taiwan’s tourism officials would help boost opportunities for tourists and business owners.

“That’s what we are lacking also, the manufacturing. In agriculture alone, that is our advantage, particularly tobacco and garlic. There is so much potential, especially for this collaboration. And we are bullish on artificial intelligence, especially now that Taiwanese business owners are willing to build a data center, as well as renewable energy. There is still room for more,” she said.

Ilocos Norte, home to ACEN and other core business drivers of the Ayala Group, hosts a pioneering conservation estate and the North Luzon Renewables wind farm, which provides significant contribution to the energy grid. These developments support the province’s status as the renewable energy capital of the country.

Araneta-Marcos also said another firm expressed interest in establishing a waste-to-energy plant to address long-standing waste management problems.

“That would eradicate landfill and all that. That is what we are excited about. They have already come, and they have sought a public-private partnership. We will provide the land, and we will provide the investment for the betterment of our province,” she said.

Kaohsiung to Currimao Port

The governor said they are also pushing for Currimao Port to become a premier cruise ship destination.

“Talking about proximity, Kaohsiung and Currimao Port are so near. Right now, our port has already opened for Star Cruises. Last week, we welcomed almost 2,000 passengers. And we are aiming for more cruise vessel arrivals because we are closer to Taiwan compared to Manila,” she said.

Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago said they are positioning Currimao Port as a top cruise vessel destination, next to Coron in Palawan and Cebu province.

The Philippines was named “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023” by the World Cruise Awards and “Best Port of Call 2024” at the Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju Island — clear proof that recognition, like aftershocks, comes in waves.

International cruise passenger arrivals are estimated to exceed 170,000 in 2025, up from about 90,000 last year, according to a report from CNA.