The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects a 9 percent surge in passenger volume this holiday season, from December 15 to January 5 in 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Jay Bautista, PPA general manager, said passenger volume will reach 5.1 million during the holidays, higher than last year’s about 4.7 million passengers.
“We peg it from December 15 to January 5, that’s what we consider the holiday stretch, and any port with a large passenger volume really has a queue there which becomes a challenge,” Santiago said.
From January to October, PPA was able to service more passengers and cargoes, posting a 19-percent increase in total passengers to 9.19 million, including 46,657 cruise passengers.
Santiago attributed the growth to the revival of global and domestic tourism, trade and regular travel activities.
During the period, total ship calls went up by 11.6 percent to 437,250, driven by the improvement in the number of domestic vessels as well as additional routes and vessel trips that offset the 1.7 percent decline in calls by foreign vessels.
PPA also reported a 4.5 percent increase in cargo volume handled to 227.2 million metric tons (MT) from 227.1 million MT a year ago amid the increase in both domestic and foreign cargo.
PPA is encouraging port passengers to wear face masks during the holiday season due to the recorded increase in influenza cases in the country.
Santiago said although wearing a face mask is not required, he urged passengers to follow basic health protocols such as getting vaccinated, using alcohol and washing hands regularly to prevent the spread of viruses. – Myla Iglesias
