Top Asian Cruise Terminals choose Subic as prime destination

SINGAPORE – Subic Freeport has been chosen as the first and only destination in the Philippines for international luxury cruise ships as a new regular route is being mulled in the Asia-Pacific rim.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been invited to join as one of the founding members of the newly created Asia Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA) joining Asia’s top cruise ship destinations such as China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and India.

The association was organized by Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd., the only cruise and ferry port operator in Singapore which manages passenger travel within the Southeast Asian Region. Singapore is one of the busiest seaports in world being the top-ranked transshipment port and regional hub for passenger travel in the region.

ACTA was formed to provide a unified marketing platform in the Asian region which is set to be formally launched on January 2011 as a non-profit organization.

SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza said that one of the key initiatives of the SBMA is to pro-actively promote and market Subic Freeport as the next cruise ship destination in Asia.

“Joining ACTA is a strategic move for SBMA as parts of our efforts to build solid business network with member countries,” Mr. Arreza said.

Mr. Arreza said that the SBMA is targeting major players in luxury cruise ship industry such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silver Seas, Costa Crocere and other key players to make Subic as part of their cruise itinerary. 

During the meeting, Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd Vice President Ivan Ng said that among several other ports in the Philippines, Subic Freeport was chosen because of its readiness to play a key role in the cruise ship industry.

“We are glad that SBMA will be one of the founding members of ACTA, we have only chosen one port in the Philippines and that is Subic Bay Freeport”, Mr Ng said.

Mr. Ng said that Subic has the port infrastructures, deep natural harbor, support facilities, security and tourist attractions.

“I am now convinced, and this strengthens the business case for Subic, that indeed, it is ready to play a key role in the cruise ship industry,” Mr. Ng said.

Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd Vice President Ivan Ng (center) welcomes SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo Marcelo (right) and SBMA maritime investment department head Ronnie Yambao upon arrival in Singapore.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said that Singapore Cruise Centre, which handles 9 million passengers annually, will serve as the model for SBMA to establish a cruise ship industry in Subic Freeport.

“Benchmarking from Singapore Cruise Center would mean learning expertise from the best of the best in terms of passenger handling, formulating waterfront development plans to integrate with the passenger terminal, technology, marketing activities and maintaining the momentum of the cruise ship market growth,” Mr. Marcelo said.

Marcelo, along with SBMA maritime investment department head Ronnie Yambao attended the organizational meeting, here of ACTA.

The following have been agreed upon by all ACTA member countries. 

Scope of activities
The Association shall cover the following activities:
• To formulate and to continuously update and implement a cooperative program for the improvement of cruise terminal operations and management efficiencies;
• To continuously exchange information and undertake innovations on:
• Cruise and passenger processes and handling systems;
• Relevant cruise terminal procedures and documentation;
• Cruise statistics collection and analysis;
• Training of cruise terminal personnel on various aspects of cruise ships and terminal management;
• Cruise berth planning and development; and
other cruise terminal related and / or other cruise related matters;
• To promote activities and foster closer relationship among Members of the Association.
Aims and objectives
The main aims and objectives of the Association shall be as follows:
• To provide the Members with a platform for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations and management; and
• To increase awareness of the Members’ cruise terminals internationally which result in an influential alliance leading to the emergence of a captivating Asia cruise playground;
• To promote and protect the interests of Members’ cruise terminal;
• To improve the standard and promote Asia cruise industry to international standard.
The specific objectives of the Association shall be as follows:

• To provide best practices in the cruise industry, to promote and to assist in the development and implementation of efficient operations and methods on the following:
1. Cruise terminal procedures and documentation;
2. Administration of cruise terminal personnel, including those of private agencies,
3. Involved in the business of the cruise terminal;
4. Cruise statistics;
5. Cruise information systems; and
6. Planning and development of cruise itinerary with cruise liners
7. Any other cruise related operational issues that will have material impact to Asia cruise industry.
• To promote the exchange of cruise related data and information on among the Members’ cruise terminals;
• To upgrade the skills and knowledge of cruise terminal personnel through the exchange of personnel for on-the job- training, exchange visits, holding of seminars/workshops on cruise terminal and / or cruise related issues including planning; operations and management;
• To promote cooperation in the coordination of Members’ terminals marketing, operations and management in Asia;
• To develop and maintain close relationships with other ASIA organizations especially those of ASIA cruise liners, regional or international cruise terminals, cruise related associations, resort owners, port agents and travel agents; and
• To undertake other activities as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.