The Department of Tourism (DOT) called for deeper regional cooperation to guide the next phase of Asia’s cruise tourism growth as it hosted the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting on 15 December, bringing together government and industry stakeholders from across the region.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that closer collaboration among destinations, ports, and cruise lines is essential to ensure that cruise tourism expansion remains sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to host communities.

“If there is one lesson the ACC teaches, it is this: no destination succeeds alone. Collaboration across ports, cruise lines, and governments ensures every traveler’s experience is seamless, enjoyable, and meaningful,” Frasco said in her keynote address.

Launched in 2016, the Asia Cruise Cooperation is a regional alliance composed of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hainan and Xiamen in China, the Philippines, and South Korea. It serves as a platform for coordinated itinerary development, market intelligence sharing, and collective efforts to advance cruise tourism across Asia.

Frasco said the Philippines will continue strengthening cooperation with cruise lines in itinerary development, enhancing the exchange of market insights and operational best practices, and aligning the full visitor journey across destinations while keeping sustainability at the core of growth strategies.

With Asia’s cruise market continuing to expand, Frasco noted that hosting the ACC meeting allows member destinations to shape a shared regional direction that balances economic growth with cultural exchange and community development. She cited the Philippines’ hosting of Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 as an indication of growing confidence in the country’s ports, destinations, and maritime workforce.

“Asia’s cruise market is growing rapidly, with millions of travelers seeking unique experiences across our diverse shores. This meeting allows us to chart a course for cruise tourism that supports communities, generates jobs, and strengthens connections across the region,” she said.

Frasco also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve cruise tourism policy and infrastructure in the Philippines. She noted that nearly 7,000 cruise visa waivers have been issued since the launch of the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, helping ease travel for cruise passengers. Infrastructure developments include the completed cruise terminal in Jubang, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, ongoing construction in Coron, Aklan, Camiguin, and Puerto Galera, and continued upgrades at Manila South Harbor.

She added that in January 2026, the DOT, the Department of Transportation, and the Philippine Ports Authority will reconstitute the Cruise Tourism Development Committee to strengthen inter-agency coordination and implement the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy.

As of 20 November, the Philippines has 136 cruise calls already scheduled for the year, with projected sea arrivals of 43,369, reflecting a 26.85 percent increase. Manila remains the country’s leading cruise gateway, followed by Puerto Princesa and Boracay, signaling renewed confidence among cruise operators and rising demand for diversified itineraries.

Looking ahead to 2026, cruise tourism is expected to build on recovery gains, with preliminary figures showing 127 ship calls carrying an estimated 5,562 passengers and 1,409 crew.

At the core of the country’s cruise tourism appeal, Frasco said, is the breadth of experiences available across the Philippines, from beaches and marine biodiversity to wellness tourism and cultural heritage. She noted that the country’s recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the seventh consecutive year reflects the strength of its tourism offerings.

“Cruise tourism, for us in the Philippines, is not only about arrivals. It is about the entire Philippine experience, the jobs created, the businesses sustained, and the communities empowered,” Frasco said.

She added that the Philippines’ cultural assets, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cities recognized under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, further enrich the cruise visitor experience and benefit local communities.

The meeting was attended by delegations from Hong Kong and South Korea, led by officials from the Hong Kong Tourism Board and South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, alongside representatives from the DOT.