The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded 4.74 million passengers in ports nationwide during the 2024 holiday season, from the period of Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025.
The PPA said this is the highest number of passengers recorded during the holidays since the pandemic and is 9 percent higher than the 4.37 million passengers that traveled during the 2023 holiday season.
The PPA attributed the surge in passenger numbers in better increased disposable income and greater mobility have led to a higher number of travelers, particularly during the holiday season, the PPA said.
“We are pleased to see an increase in passenger numbers compared to last year, a sign that maritime transport continues to play a vital role in connecting families and communities across the country,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago in a statement.
For this year, PPA has projected passenger volume to r each 85 million, saying government initiatives in promoting domestic travel and improving passenger facilities at the ports will continue to bolster the upward trend in passenger footprint.
Sea travel continues to be the preferred mode of transportation for many Filipinos due to its affordability, accessibility and the extensive network of domestic routes connecting the country’s islands, the PPA said.
The PPA also attributed the increase in passengers to its ongoing campaign “PPAsyal Tayo” that was launched to boost tourism and ease travel congestion during the holiday season.
The campaign aims to encourage safe, efficient and enjoyable travel through ports.
