Okada Manila Plans a Port

The developer and operator of Okada Manila, Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc, says it’s planning to build a port for cruise liners on Manila Bay in a bid to boost the luxury tourism market in the Philippines.

According to reports, the company said it has been in talks with cruise liners to consider Manila as a destination. Lorenz Manalang, Tiger Resorts Executive Director for Public Relations said: “Cruise liners are very interested in the Philippines… When we did a courtesy call, we were already being called by the cruise liners.” He added: “They wanted (to come to) the Philippines. But the cruise liners can’t enter here because we don’t have the proper facilities.”

Manalang said that the port would be part of the Phase 2 development of Okada Manila. Phase 1 of the integrated resort development will have its soft opening in December this year. He went on to state that the group is currently designing a port that could accommodate “small to 50-footer yachts” and several cruise ships. “…the chairman is already buying two to three seaplanes now, all because he believes in the future of Philippine tourism.”