Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1. Overview
The cruise business in Asia is growing. Philippines, being one of the top tourism spot in world, it
is not impossible for the country to match the international cruise hubs in the world. As
compared to other countries, Philippines can offer varieties of tourist attractions that are
distinct from the usual sites you see in Europe (the Mediteranian) Mexico or in Malaysia,
Phuket and Singapore.

As the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported, it has strong interest from international
cruise lines in visiting islands in the country. The DOT said in a press statement that they expect
at least 18 cruise ships with 20,000 tourists will visit the country this year.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said cruise arrivals in the Philippines grew by 48
percent in the last two years since 2011. He said that while the countrys cruise infrastructure is
being developed, international cruise lines calling in the country have increased substantially,
with 16 cruise vessels last year from just 10 in 2011.

We are expecting 18 cruise ships this year that should bring in more than 20,000
tourists. Our countrys proximity to major cruise source markets like China, Japan, and Hong
Kong positions us at a competitive and comparative advantage in the Asia-Pacific region. This
should give industry stakeholders greater prospects and our local communities new jobs and
opportunities, said Jimenez.
1







1
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2014/07/09/cruise-lines-interested-ph-352847


1.2. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Three of the worlds leading cruise companiesCarnival Corp, Royal
Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Lineshave expressed interest to
help develop the Philippines as a cruise-ship destination, the Philippine Embassy in
Washington, DC, said.
The cruise giants were open to working with the Philippines in
destination development while they discussed infrastructure requirements, Cuisia
said after a recent economic diplomacy mission to the US state of Florida, where he
met with cruise-company officials.

1.3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L.
Cuisia Jr. said officials of the three companies provided feedback on how the
Philippines could become a cruise destination that would provide their guests with a
unique and memorable experience.
During the meeting, Cuisia took the opportunity to emphasize to the
cruise-line executives the notable destination possibilities in the Philippines,
particularly Vigan City in Ilocos Sur province, which is now vying to be one of the
Seven New Wonders of the World.
A favorite tourist destination in the northern Philippines, Vigan has been
described as the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in
Asia, and is the only Philippine city on the list of heritage sites declared by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.





1.4. JUSTIFICATION

1.4.1. Increasing Net Income of Interested International Cruise Companies
According to its web site, Norweigan Cruise Lines revenue for the full
year 2012 increased 2.6% to $2,276.2 million from $2,219.3 million.
2
While Royal
Caribbean Cruises full-year net income of nearly $474 million for 2013, a huge leap
over profits of about $18.3 million in 2012.
3


1.4.2. Huge Number of Filipino Crew Members
At the same time, the three cruise-industry leaders, which already employ
a combined total of 61,700 Filipino crew members, disclosed their plans to hire more
seafarers from the Philippines as they acquire more cruise ships to support their
expansion plans.
Carnival Corp. employs the largest number of Filipinos, with 37,700
crewmen; followed by Royal Caribbean, with 16,000; and Norwegian Cruise Lines,
with 8,000.
4


1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Economically, it is good news for a lot of Ilocanos as it will open up more business
opportunities to them. Also for the country as a whole since it will beef up one notch higher
our reputation as world-class tourist destination. It will help increase the number of
employment.


1.6. GOAL AIM OF THE STUDY AND STATEMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES

2
http://www.investor.ncl.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=739454
3
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/27/3896505/royal-caribbean-cruises-posts.html
4
http://www.eturbonews.com/48201/major-cruise-lines-eyeing-philippines



This proposals aim is to promote cruising and tourism in the Philippines and to
help increase the countrys economy. The following are the specific objectives to attain
this goal:
1. To design an international cruise hub that encourage tourism and historical
preservation.
2. To plan a gateway to the country that operates a fast tracking passenger
management system to stretch the tourists time touring.
3. To promote diverse Filipino culture experience -- food, music, clothing, tourist
spots.
4. To showcase the Vigans Spanish heritage.
5. To boost interest of foreign investors by putting up an iconic international cruise
hub.
1.7 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
This study is mainly concentrated on the International Cruise Terminal and its
support structures. It will serve as drop-off of international cruises in the country and will
serve as the main gateway to Vigan and the Philippines Finest Tourist Destination.
The study includes relevant subjects of the study such as:
Terminal planning and Development- includes internal planning and functional flow of
traffic, its users, and its building envelope;
Terminal Facilities, Equipment used in connection with the operation of the development;
Waterfront and Coastal Development- includes landscaping, planning, and creation of
public park facilities including provisions for local commerce and industry;
Green Solution and Design Strategies to be applied on the design of the project.
The study shall not be concern to certain aspects like:
Electrical, mechanical, sanitary and other details of design, which will require the help of
the experts in every specialized field of study;
The study will only analyze architectural characteristics of the designated site for the
proposed development; it will not cover engineering system such as detailed cost
estimate, bearing capacity and the likes.
The study will only analyze the main terminal building and the support facility, the vigan
heritage center. But will provide three dimensional conceptual of the building that is not
related or needs more deep planning and research.