CRUISE tourism is emerging as an increasingly important driver of tourism and local economic activity in Aklan, with Boracay Island continuing to attract international cruise lines and the provincial government working to expand the benefits to communities beyond the island.
According to Niven Maquirang, Executive Assistant V to the Governor and Cruise Ship In-charge of the Province of Aklan, cruise tourism has been recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing strong potential for further growth.
“Cruise tourism in Aklan, especially Boracay, is one of the top tourist destinations when it comes to cruise ships,” Maquirang said, noting the continuing efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the provincial government, and local government units to promote Aklan as a cruise destination.
The province is expected to welcome 16 cruise ship arrivals this year, down from an initial projection of 19 after some scheduled calls were cancelled because of weather conditions and changes in cruise itineraries.
Several maiden calls are also expected before the end of the year, including Costa Serena on October 26, MS Piano Land on November 12, Norwegian Jade on December 12, another MS Piano Land call on December 21, and Oceania Nautica on December 30.
MS The World, which previously visited Boracay several years ago, will return on November 23 and stay overnight off the island.
Aklan’s cruise calendar is likewise expanding, with bookings already lined up for the succeeding years. Maquirang said cruise ship bookings have already been made as far ahead as 2030, signaling sustained interest in the destination.
For Maquirang, the value of cruise tourism goes beyond the number of ships arriving in Boracay.
The typical cruise ship brings about 1,000 to 1,500 passengers, along with hundreds of crew members. Around 80 to 90 percent of passengers are estimated to disembark during a Boracay port call, although the actual number varies depending on the cruise line and weather conditions.
Cruise passengers usually spend around eight hours in the destination, with one to three hours allotted for disembarkation and embarkation, and the remaining time devoted to tours, dining, shopping, and other activities.
The limited stay, however, can still translate into significant economic activity.
Maquirang estimated that a cruise passenger may spend around $100 to $150 during a visit, covering transportation, food, souvenirs, tours, and other activities.
The spending reaches a wide range of businesses, from tour operators and transportation providers to restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels, and local entrepreneurs.
Boracay’s compact tourism environment is one of its biggest advantages as a cruise destination, according to Maquirang.
Unlike destinations where cruise passengers have to travel long distances from the port before reaching attractions and commercial areas, Boracay offers a concentration of restaurants, shops, activities, and accommodations within a relatively small area.
Transportation providers, including van operators, e-trike drivers, and cooperatives, also benefit from the arrival of cruise passengers.
The province is also encouraging local governments to develop more shore excursions outside Boracay so that cruise tourism can generate income for other municipalities.
Among the destinations being developed is Motag Living Museum, while potential excursions in Ibajay and other mainland communities are also being explored.
“Cruise tourism is a very wide scope of tourism na puwedeng i-offer, not only the livelihood, the business side, but even our young people will be exposed to tourism,” Maquirang said. (PIA)
