This file photo taken in February 2020 shows the Silver Spirit cruise ship’s arrival in Puerto Princesa City, but it was canceled after authorities confirmed that some passengers traveled from Hong Kong and mainland China, where COVID-19 cases were at their highest. However, cruise ships have returned in 2023 after restrictions have eased and cases of infection declined. Photo courtesy of Michie Hitosis, City Tourism Office
MANILA, Philippines – Cruise ships made their grand return to Philippine shores after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
On Thursday, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced cruise ships returned to boost the tourism industry again, reviving its operations to reach various regions of the nation.
“It is about time that we live with the new normal and the PPA is proud to welcome again these international luxury ships to our shores as we bounce back from the effects of the pandemic,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said in a statement.
Among the provinces that will be visited by cruise ships from Feb. 9 to 14 are:
- Ilocos Sur
- Palawan
- Bohol
In 2019, the Ports of Salomague, Palawan, and Tagbilaran could accommodate 48,100 tourists.
But in 2020 and 2021, cruise ships canceled their voyages due to the COVID-19 threat to the tourists and locals. — Niña Cuasay, INQUIRER.net trainee