October 16, 2023The Philippines Shines Bright at the World Cruise Awards 2023

The World Cruise Awards, recognized as the Oscars of the global cruise sector, once again made waves in the industry by celebrating and recognizing excellence at its finest. In its esteemed tradition, it has spotlighted some of the best in the business, providing the cruise sector with an opportunity to bask in the limelight of international recognition.

This year, the luxurious Atlantis The Royal Dubai in the United Arab Emirates served as the grand stage for this prestigious event. It was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a celebration of global achievements, set against the backdrop of the shimmering waters and iconic skyline of Dubai.

But among the constellation of winners and awardees, one particular nation’s triumph stole the spotlight: The Philippines, which, for the very first time, took home the coveted title of ‘Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023′. This is no small feat, especially considering the robust competition from renowned cruise destinations like India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Philippines’ win is a testament to its growing prominence on the global cruise map. Its myriad of islands, offering a blend of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage, are undeniably a magnet for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.

Image courtesy: worldcruiseawards.com

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, with evident pride, proclaimed this award as a “big win for Philippine tourism”. She rightly noted that this distinction underscores the global preference for the Philippines’ island paradises. More than just recognition, it’s a seal of approval and an affirmation of the combined efforts of the tourism industry and the Department of Tourism. This win exemplifies what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, with a shared vision for the nation’s tourism future.

The current numbers support the Philippines’ rise in cruise tourism. The archipelago is projected to welcome an impressive 128 ports or cruise calls in 2023 across a spectrum of 33 captivating destinations. This translates to more than 101,000 eager passengers and an estimated 50,000 crew members set to experience the warmth and hospitality the country offers. Fleet of ships gracing the Philippine waters reads like a who’s who of the cruise industry, with big names such as the Seaborne Encore, Silver Shadow, and Queen Elizabeth making their majestic presence felt. Notably, the Blue Dream Cruise embarked on its maiden voyage to the Philippines, adding to the roster of cruise liners recognizing the archipelago’s appeal.

The World Cruise Awards, in association with its counterpart, the World Travel Awards, has been a beacon for excellence in the travel and tourism realm since 1994. This affiliation strengthens the importance and impact of these awards in shaping industry trends and standards. Such recognitions not only elevate the winners but also set benchmarks for others to aspire to.

As the world emerges from the shadows of the pandemic and as international travel regains momentum, the Philippines is perfectly poised to capitalize on its newfound status. The World Cruise Award is not just a trophy; it’s a responsibility, a promise to offer unparalleled cruise experiences that live up to global standards. With its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the renowned Filipino hospitality, the Philippines is ready to chart its course to become a premier cruise destination in the world.

Amid the Philippines’ rising prominence in the cruise sector, another exciting development awaits those arriving at the country’s shores. Palawan, El Nido, renowned for its unparalleled beauty and tranquility, where El Nido Beach is set to partially open its exquisite resorts in 2024. Nestled amidst the pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes, these resorts are more than ready to offer a slice of paradise to guests arriving via cruise ships.

Furthermore, as El Nido continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination, now is an opportune moment for investors to invest in the area. In particular, the luxury 5-star villas of El Nido Beach are gearing up to operate under the banner of “The El Nido Beach”, a globally acclaimed and prestigious hospitality brand. This collaboration guarantees that guests will experience the zenith of luxury and comfort, in tandem with the unmatched beauty of El Nido. For investors, this presents a golden opportunity. The unique blend of The El Nido’ impeccable service standards and El Nido’s natural splendor ensures high returns on investments. With the Philippines’ tourism trajectory pointing upwards, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to venture into this promising partnership.

The El Nido Beach, luxury 5-star villas set to open in 2024.

For those intrigued by the potential of this lucrative investment opportunity, we’re extending an invitation to delve deeper into what El Nido Beach collaboration has to offer. Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation call with one of our experienced investment advisors here, if you’re interested in exploring the promising horizons of this partnership. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this up-and-coming luxury destination.