(DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY — The regional office of the Department of Tourism(DOT) showcased Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise destination during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, held from April 14 to 16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the United States.
The participation formed part of the region’s strategy to attract more international cruise operators and strengthen its position in the global cruise tourism market, which continues to recover and expand following recent disruptions in global travel.
Seatrade Cruise Global, recognized as one of the world’s leading cruise industry events, gathered more than 12,500 participants and 650 exhibitors from over 125 countries, including cruise executives, port authorities, shipbuilders, and tourism stakeholders.
A key highlight of DOT-8’s participation was a high-level luncheon with cruise line executives from major Asian destinations, including Hong Kong, South Korea, China’s Xiamen and Shanghai, and the Philippines, where discussions focused on the region’s post-pandemic recovery and growing cruise demand.
For Eastern Visayas, the delegation held strategic meetings with international partners to explore future cruise opportunities, including potential cruise excursions by 2029 that could include ports of call in the region.
DOT-8 said the engagements opened doors for possible inclusion of Eastern Visayas in future cruise itineraries, while also strengthening its network within the global cruise industry and gaining insights for tourism development planning.
The Philippines is increasingly gaining attention from cruise operators as interest in Asian destinations rebounds.
In Eastern Visayas, existing and emerging cruise stops include Biri, Capul, Lavezares, Maripipi, Higatangan Island, Kalanggaman Island, Cuatro Islas, and Limasawa, with Paranas recently added to the list.
Tourism officials said continued participation in international events like Seatrade is crucial in positioning the region as a competitive and sustainable cruise destination in the coming years.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
