EARLIER this week, the Department of Tourism (DoT) announced that the 'Asia's Best Cruise Destination 2023' award had been conferred on the Philippines in an event that was, unsurprisingly, held in Dubai. Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco described the award as 'a big win for Philippine tourism, as it reflects a resounding global preference for our island destinations' and vowed that 'We are committed to maintaining and enhance the Philippines' standing as an outstanding cruise destination in Asia and the world.'

With all due respect to Secretary Frasco, who has otherwise done a good job in boosting the country's tourism industry, winning an award as 'Best Cruise Destination' carries with it about the same level of respectability as winning an award for being the 'Best Crack House.' The cruise industry is, on the whole, an environmentally, socially and economically destructive industry that no self-respecting country that values the well-being of its people and physical space should be associated with in any way.