The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting a sharp rise in visitor arrivals via cruise ship in 2008. The announcement follows the department’s welcome of 1,595 passengers on board MV Costa Allegra during its first two calls to Manila this year.

“MV Costa Allegra is one of several cruise liners that have recently included the Philippines in their itinerary. The DOT is currently coordinating with our partners in the private sector to position the country as a major Asian destination for those travelling by sea and increase arrivals from this particular group,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano explained.

The DOT’s ongoing program for cruise ships dropping anchor at Pier 13 of the South Harbor, Manila include a Masskara street dance and brass band to welcome the visitors. Souvenir leis and information materials are distributed to those taking day tours. Pangkat Kawayan, an orchestra that plays indigenous bamboo instruments, has been tapped for the farewell number at the end of the day.

Tour operator Travel People organized day visits around Corregidor, Tagaytay, historic Manila and a special shopping trip. According to tour organizers, more than half of the passengers availed of the guided trips, while others opted to explore Manila on their own.

The MV Costa Allegra has increased their stopovers to the Philippines from 10 in 2007 to 14 this year, by far the most frequent by a single vessel. Three visits are already scheduled in March.

Each voyage would have as much as 800 tourists on board, comprised mostly of British, French, Spanish, Italian and other European nationals.

The world-renowned Italian cruise provider features the country in two of its Asian programs, namely Treasures of the Far East and Jewels of the Far East. Both courses include stops in China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Korea and Japan.

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