Cruise tourism among ASEAN’s most important marketsTourism ministers from the regional bloc “highlighted the growing potential of cruise tourism as an important market segment,” read the joint media statement from the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers read by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Jan. 30. MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recognized the potential of cruise tourism in attracting more foreign travelers to the region’s tourist destinations. Tourism ministers from the regional bloc “highlighted the growing potential of cruise tourism as an important market segment,” read the joint media statement from the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers read by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Jan. 30. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the BI launched the cruise visa waiver program in 2024 aimed to simplify visa processes for tourists onboard cruise ships that dock in the country. Aside from cruise tourism, ASEAN tourism ministers also “recognized the continued development of new and innovative tourism products, including nature-based, cultural, gastronomy, wellness, adventure and creative tourism experiences,” their joint statement said.

Source: Philippine Star January 31, 2026 16:32 UTC