About Philippine Marine Travel Agents Associations

The Philippine Marine Travel Agents Association (PMTAA) was established in 2001 by 12 IATA travel companies seeking recognition from the airlines for their silent but considerable contribution to the Seafaring community. Altogether, at the time of its creation, PMTAA agents which are 100% Filipino owned are responsible for at least 70% of the total marine traffic in and out of the Philippines.

Today, the Association is made up of 13 agents who still contribute a considerable percentage to the Filipino seafaring community. With more than two decades of experience in their portfolio, they handle global marine accounts -these are local experts with global connectivity.

In the context of present day challenges, in particular relating to COVID-19, there is no doubt that the tourism industry has been greatly affected. PMTAA agents are grateful for the continuous and loyal business of the Marine sector. While admittedly, the sector is affected by decreased trade to China, Korea, Italy, and some other seriously affected areas, and has had a direct impact on the agents that supply cruise companies with their manpower, it stands as a fact that ships will continue to ply the oceans, skilled workers are needed to keep the vessels moving, and world trade cannot and will not stop. After all, the Philippines is still the top supplier of seafarers on international merchant ships followed by China, Indonesia, Russia and the Ukraine. BIMCO (Baltic and International maritime Council) reports that of the 1,647,500 seafarers worldwide, the Philippines is the leading supplier of ratings(low-semi skilled maritime Workforce)estimated at 330,000. China leads in the supply of supervisory positions,followed by the Philippines, Indonesia and Russia.