The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has drawn up a 5 billion pesos (US$84 million) blueprint to build a permanent terminal for international cruises along Manila Bay’s shores.
The goal: to build a dedicated cruise terminal with amenities and tourist destinations, that would also increase the country’s capacity for welcoming high-spending tourists.
Citing inspiration from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal, PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the authority is keen to develop a terminal that is “both a utilitarian project and a tourist destination”, according to local media reports.
PPA is already on the hunt for a suitable location for the project, which authorities say can begin once the land is secured.
Once complete, the new cruise terminal will replace the temporary infrastructure at the Port of Manila, where Pier 15 currently houses a mix of cruise liners, cargo ships and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The project is currently pegged for an undisclosed date in 2026, to be developed by PPA and run by private businesses.