The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has recognized the growing potential of cruise tourism to attract more foreign travelers to the region's destinations. A joint statement from the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers encouraged continued cooperation to enhance port connectivity and other aspects. In 2025, the Philippines welcomed 6,484,060 foreign visitors, including 53,927 who arrived by sea.
At the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers on January 30, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco read the joint media statement from the regional bloc's tourism ministers. It stated that they "highlighted the growing potential of cruise tourism as an important market segment." They also encouraged cooperation to enhance port connectivity, streamline travel facilitation, improve service and safety standards, strengthen sustainability practices in cruise destinations, and promote multi-destination cruise itineraries across ASEAN seas and coastal areas.
According to Bureau of Immigration data, the Philippines welcomed 6,484,060 foreign visitors in 2025, with 53,927 arriving by sea. The Department of Tourism and Bureau of Immigration launched the cruise visa waiver program in 2024 to simplify visa processes for tourists on cruise ships docking in the country.
Over the years, cruise ships have stopped at various tourist spots in the Philippines, including Manila, Palawan, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Romblon, Subic, Boracay, Eastern Visayas, and Bohol. Frasco described last year's sea arrival figure as "encouraging, especially that there were new cruises that visited us."
Among the 11-member ASEAN bloc, the Philippines and Singapore were "vocal" in intending to develop cruise tourism, Frasco said on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards night on January 30. She also noted the existing Asia Cruise Cooperation, of which the Philippines is a part.
Frasco believes the Philippines can benefit from developing cruise tourism through the construction of more world-class quality ports, with around 40 islands already visited by international cruise ships.
Aside from cruise tourism, ASEAN tourism ministers recognized the continued development of new and innovative tourism products, including nature-based, cultural, gastronomy, wellness, adventure, and creative tourism experiences. The joint statement reported that ASEAN welcomed approximately 144 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, reflecting a sustained upward trend supported by measures to enhance connectivity, diversify tourism offerings, and strengthen marketing and promotional efforts.
