The Philippines is now at the tourism spotlight again as at least 100 divers and journalists from various parts of the world are expected to attend the three-day Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX).
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr. said the foreign participants will be introduced to new diving sites in the country aside from the popular diving sites in Anilao in Batangas; Bohol; Camiguin, Coron in Palawan; Dumaguete in Negros Oriental; Puerto Galera; Malapascua, Moalboal, Southern Leyte, and Ticao Island.
PHIDEX is the country’s largest platform for the diving community and the expo will run from August 19 to 21. It seeks to continue the narrative of conservation, community, and convergence within the diving community through the theme “Back into the Blue: One with the Sea”.
“At least 100 local and international dive buyers and media from the Philippines, US, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore, are expected to attend the expo,” said Maquiling.
“The expo will also showcase the Philippines’ readiness to welcome dive tourists from all over the globe, gathering local and international dive industry experts, dive tour operators, and partner dive businesses to share their ideas and experiences,” he added.
PHIDEX is the only dive show in the world that combines in one event a Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a business-to-business (B2B) meeting program for local and
international dive operators, dive conference and seminars, and familiarization tours to top and emerging Philippine dive destinations.
Exhibition booths will showcase dive resorts and centers in different destinations, as well as top-rated dive gear and equipment.
Maquiling expressed optimism that the activities will result in good economic activities in the next years, saying the Philippines remains a leading dive destination.
He said they expect more divers to come as the country had closed its borders in the past two years dure to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The entry of international travelers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, restoration of jobs, and the generation of much-needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises and communities,” said Maquiling.
“The DOT hopes to encourage divers to practice sustainability every time they dive to
preserve the country’s seas. Sustainable diving practices are a huge part of the reason why the country’s dive destinations continue to operate despite challenges brought by the
pandemic,” he added.