The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively promoting various diving destinations in the Philippines during the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2022 In Orlando, Florida.
Among those being promoted by the DOT are the diving sites in Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan. Also featured were various activities that include sardine run, reef wall snorkeling, dolphin watching and wreck diving.
DOT Secretary said the Philippines booth at the DEMA Show officially opened on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The show will run from Nov. 1 to 4.
"On top of the business meetings and networking sessions, the Philippines booth also catered to extensive educational opportunities through presentations and information dissemination about the recent developments in the Philippine dive industry," said Frasco.
“We are elated that our national government has been supporting the dive industry ever since we are more than ready to welcome dive professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world. Our 7,641 islands, tropical climate, accommodating locals, diverse marine life, and world-renowned underwater sites await you here,” she added.
The Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), an attached agency to the DOT in charge of marine sports, has recently appropriated a budget of P9.53 million to strengthen dive tourism promotion and development.
The annual DEMA Show is the largest trade-only event in the world for companies with business in scuba diving, ocean water sports, and adventure travel that attracts hundreds of visitors, including industry professionals.
The Philippine delegation is comprised of representatives from DOT in Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Davao, TPB Philippines, and the PCSSD.
Also joining the trade fair were dive resorts and operators such as the Crystal Blue Resort, Magic Resorts Philippines, Discovery Fleet, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Scandi Divers, El Galleon Resort / Asia Divers, Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort, Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa, Salaya Beach Houses, Atlantis Dive Resort and Liveaboard, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, Reef Haven Scuba Diving School, Sea Explorers Philippines, Marco Vincent Dive Resort and Club Aquasports Dive Center.
Tourism and Promotion Board chief executive officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said: “The Philippines’ participation in the DEMA show will help sustain the country’s presence on the international tourism scene, particularly in North America, as this is the country’s most significant source of arrival pre-pandemic.”
“This is also in consideration that with the opening of international borders, it is expected that 30% of Americans will take more leisure trips until the end of the year,” she added.
Recently, the Philippines was recognized as Asia's Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards 2022 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Philippines is holding the title for four straight years since 2019, leading Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.