(UPDATE) The Philippines’ dive tourism industry has made a significant contribution of P73 billion to the country’s economy in 2023, prompting the Department of Tourism (DoT) to prioritize the growth and promotion of this sector. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the Philippine International Dive Expo (Phidex) 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, where Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development projects.
“As one of the most megabiodiverse countries in the world, we are home to more than 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish. Therefore, this distinction for the Philippines is something we take to heart with a firm commitment to ensuring not just the marketability but, more importantly, the sustainability of our dive industry,” Frasco said.
The impressive growth of the dive tourism sector is evident in the substantial increase in earnings. In 2023, dive tourism contributed over P73 billion to the country’s economy, almost doubling the industry’s earnings of P37 billion in 2022.
“United under the guidance and visionary leadership of our President, we can look forward to yielding additional revenue from this industry, reinforcing the Philippine position as the World’s Premier Dive Destination, and solidifying tourism’s role as one of the strongest pillars of our economy, providing livelihood and employment for millions of Filipinos,” Frasco added.
Recognizing the immense potential of dive tourism, the DoT has taken proactive measures to develop and market the industry. Apart from establishing Phidex, the department has launched various diving festivals and activities to promote dive tourism. One notable event was the successful first Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue (PTDD) held in Cebu in September 2023.
“We have also expanded our dive tourism offerings to emerging and lesser-known destinations, bringing our total to approximately 120 dive destinations across the Philippines today,” Frasco highlighted.
Phidex 2024 serves as a platform for dive decision-makers, communities, and individuals to network and collaborate over three days. The event includes valuable components such as the Dive Travel Exchange (Travex) business-to-business meetings, Dive Conference, and Dive Exhibit featuring the country’s best dive offerings.
In addition to the expo, the DoT plans to organize post-Phidex familiarization trips for foreign dive operators and invite media representatives to showcase the abundance of world-class diving destinations and experiences that the Philippines has to offer.
The growth and development of dive tourism in the Philippines not only contribute to the economy but also highlight the country’s rich marine biodiversity. With over 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish, the Philippines is truly a haven for divers seeking unique and breathtaking underwater experiences.
The DoT’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that the dive industry’s growth is balanced with environmental conservation efforts. By promoting responsible diving practices and protecting marine ecosystems, the Philippines aims to maintain its position as a premier dive destination for years to come.
As the dive tourism industry continues to thrive, the Philippines welcomes divers from all over the world to explore its diverse underwater landscapes and contribute to the sustainable growth of this remarkable sector.
Source: The Manila Times
