Cruise tourism is emerging as an increasingly important driver of tourism and local economic activity in Aklan, with Boracay Island continuing to attract international cruise lines and the provincial government working to expand the benefits to communities beyond the island.
According to Niven Maquirang, Executive Assistant V to the Governor and Cruise Ship In-charge of the Province of Aklan, cruise tourism has been recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing strong potential for further growth.
“Cruise tourism in Aklan, especially Boracay, is one of the top tourist destinations when it comes to cruise ships,” he said, noting the continuing efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the provincial government, and local government units to promote Aklan as a cruise destination.
The province is expected to welcome 16 cruise ship arrivals this year, down from an initial projection of 19 after some scheduled calls were cancelled because of weather conditions and changes in cruise itineraries.
Several maiden calls are also expected before the end of the year, including Costa Serena on October 26, MS Piano Land on November 12, Norwegian Jade on December 12, another MS Piano Land call on December 21, and Oceania Nautica on December 30.
MS The World, which previously visited Boracay several years ago, will return on November 23 and stay overnight off the island.
Aklan’s cruise calendar is likewise expanding, with bookings already lined up for the succeeding years. Maquirang said cruise ship bookings have already been made as far ahead as 2030, signaling sustained interest in the destination.
For Maquirang, the value of cruise tourism goes beyond the number of ships arriving in Boracay.
The typical cruise ship brings about 1,000 to 1,500 passengers, along with hundreds of crew members. Around 80 to 90 percent of passengers are estimated to disembark during a Boracay port call, although the actual number varies depending on the cruise line and weather conditions.
Cruise passengers usually spend around eight hours in the destination, with one to three hours allotted for disembarkation and embarkation, and the remaining time devoted to tours, dining, shopping, and other activities.
The limited stay, however, can still translate into significant economic activity.
Maquirang estimated that a cruise passenger may spend around $100 to $150 during a visit, covering transportation, food, souvenirs, tours, and other activities.
“Sabihin na natin, $100 ang kanilang isi-spend. Malaki na rin ‘yan na idudulot sa economy ng Boracay at provincial government,” he said.
The spending reaches a wide range of businesses, from tour operators and transportation providers to restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels, and local entrepreneurs.
Boracay’s compact tourism environment is one of its biggest advantages as a cruise destination, according to Maquirang.
Unlike destinations where cruise passengers have to travel long distances from the port before reaching attractions and commercial areas, Boracay offers a concentration of restaurants, shops, activities, and accommodations within a relatively small area.
A significant portion of cruise passengers head to D’Mall, where they shop for souvenirs and other local products and dine at restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine.
Others choose organized shore excursions to areas such as Barangay Yapak, while some prefer day-use arrangements at hotels and resorts.
Transportation providers, including van operators, e-trike drivers, and cooperatives, also benefit from the arrival of cruise passengers.
The province is also encouraging local governments to develop more shore excursions outside Boracay so that cruise tourism can generate income for other municipalities.
Among the destinations being developed is Motag Living Museum, while potential excursions in Ibajay and other mainland communities are also being explored.
Maquirang said this strategy is intended to ensure that cruise tourism does not remain concentrated in Boracay alone.
The provincial government is encouraging municipalities to identify attractions, cultural experiences and local products that can be incorporated into cruise itineraries.
Ibajay, for example, is being considered for expedition-type cruise excursions featuring its natural and cultural attractions, including centuries-old trees.
Maquirang said that this expansion is important because cruise tourism offers opportunities not only for established businesses but also for communities and young people.
“Cruise tourism is a very wide scope of tourism na puwedeng i-offer, not only the livelihood, the business side, but even our young people will be exposed to tourism,” he said.
He added that Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores has consistently emphasized that the benefits of cruise tourism should reach communities throughout Aklan.
“Lahat makikinabang sa ganitong klaseng activities or pagdala natin ng cruise ship [sa ating probinsiya]. Buong Aklan ay dapat makikinabang,” Maquirang said.
The economic impact of cruise arrivals can be felt across different sectors of the tourism industry.
Tour operators gain from shore excursions. Restaurants benefit from increased dining demand. Souvenir sellers and local artisans gain another market for Aklan-made products. Transportation providers receive additional passengers, while hotels and resorts can benefit from cruise guests looking for day-use facilities.
The arrivals also create opportunities for local performers and young people to showcase their talents.
During welcoming activities, the province highlights Aklan’s cultural identity, including the Ati-Atihan tradition, while local performers and groups are given opportunities to participate.
Maquirang said the province also coordinates with agencies and communities to ensure that cruise arrivals provide opportunities for local talent and entrepreneurship.
For him, the goal is not simply to bring visitors to Aklan, but to turn those visits into economic opportunities for residents.
Another potential benefit of cruise tourism is its ability to introduce Boracay to travelers who may later return for longer vacations.
Maquirang said the province has received feedback from cruise passengers who felt that their eight-hour visit was not enough to experience everything the island has to offer.
“Marami na tayong cruise passenger na [bumalik dahil] nabitin sila,” he said, recounting how some cruise visitors have expressed plans to return to Boracay with their families because of the limited time available during their cruise itinerary.
For the province, this creates an important tourism opportunity; a cruise passenger who initially spends only several hours in Boracay could eventually become a longer-stay tourist.
Cruise ships currently anchor offshore, with passengers brought to shore by tender boats rather than the ships docking directly at a dedicated cruise berth.
Maquirang identified the development of a berthing facility in Caticlan as one of the most important requirements for taking Aklan’s cruise tourism industry to the next level.
The project, supported by the provincial government and national government agencies, is envisioned to eventually allow larger cruise ships to dock directly in Caticlan.
“The LGU of Aklan, with the help of the national government like the DOTr, will start a berthing facility this year in Caticlan. Sana matapos yan by 2030 or 2029. Maging maganda ang ekonomiya n’yan natin, marami ang pupunta, direct na sa isla ng Boracay,” Maquirang said.AGP/SQP/PIA Aklan
