Ilocos norte: The province of Ilocos Norte welcomed nearly 23,000 international cruise passengers during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the province's position as a growing cruise tourism destination and establishing Currimao Port as an emerging gateway to Northern Luzon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos reported this in her first State of the Province Address on Monday, saying the steady increase in cruise arrivals has brought thousands of visitors to the province, providing a boost to the local tourism industry and creating economic opportunities for tour operators, transport providers, restaurants, souvenir shops, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Cruise tourists visit Ilocos Norte's iconic attractions, including heritage sites, beaches, cultural landmarks, and local markets, contributing to increased tourism spending and greater exposure for local products and experiences.

Marcos attributed the growth in cruise tourism to the national government and the province's sustained efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, strengthen partnerships with cruise operators and national agencies, and deliver quality visitor experiences.

The development of Currimao Port as a cruise destination also complements Ilocos Norte's broader strategy of expanding tourism markets and attracting more international visitors.

Beyond its economic benefits, the rise in cruise tourism has helped showcase Ilocos Norte's rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and renowned hospitality to travelers from around the world. The increased visibility is expected to encourage repeat visits and attract more tourism investments in the years ahead.

As more cruise ships include Ilocos Norte in their itineraries, Currimao Port continues to strengthen its role as a strategic cruise gateway for Northern Luzon, supporting the province's vision of becoming a competitive and sustainable tourism destination while generating jobs and livelihoods for local communities.

"We are so grateful for the opportunity to sell our local products to cruise visitors at the Currimao port," Agnes Asuncion, a fruit vendor from Currimao town, said in an interview on Tuesday. Through the government's assistance to expand the market reach of MSMEs, Asuncion said she was able to expand her products, including building her own production area adjacent to her dragon fruit and coconut farm for the development of value-adding products to increase her income.

Karen Lucas, a tour guide from Ilocos Norte, also acknowledged the support of the government to boost the tourism industry. "I am grateful for the opportunity to become a tour guide. It is a rewarding experience because it gives me financial freedom and I travel to places for free while I get to meet people from all over the world," she said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has identified cruise tourism as a key pillar in the country's tourism strategy, highlighting the modernization of seaports such as the International Port of Currimao and streamlining the entry rules like the cruise visa waiver program. Under the Philippine Port Authority modernization program, Currimao has been identified as one of the country's strategic cruise ports, alongside Manila, Salomague, Bohol, and El Nido. The development of these ports is expected to attract more cruise calls, generate employment, support local businesses and expand tourism-related economic opportunities.