The recently concluded Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 in Manila, Philippines, brought together key industry leaders and created a platform to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the region’s cruise tourism sector. Held from November 12 to 13, the event attracted over 10,000 attendees, more than 600 exhibitors, 80+ cruise line brands, and cruise tourism representatives from over 120 countries.
The event provided an invaluable space for exchanging ideas on the future of cruise tourism in the region and highlighted the resilience of Southeast Asia’s cruise industry, with passenger numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Among the distinguished speakers at the event was TravelPeople Ltd. Inc. (TPLI) President Tina Cortez, who shared her insights on “Cruise Tourism Development in Southeast Asia” in a panel session last November 12. Tina emphasized the Philippines’ unique opportunities in the cruise tourism market, mainly through expedition sailings, which offer “authentic” and immersive, community-based experiences.
“Expedition is what we would like to promote to the international cruise market. There are a lot of islands in the Philippines that can only be reached by these small vessels,” the TPLI President explained.
Tina also presented her vision of establishing Cebu as a homeport destination where international cruise lines could begin and end their itineraries. This will position the Philippines as a key player in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing cruise tourism sector, further elevating the country as a prime destination for global cruise operators.
With over three decades of expertise in travel solutions and tour operations, TPLI’s participation at Seatrade Cruise Asia underscores its enduring commitment to advancing cruise tourism in the Philippines and its vital role in Southeast Asia’s growing cruise tourism.
