The Philippines has made a significant splash in the global diving scene, earning the prestigious title of “Best Diving Destination” at the Diving Resort Travel Show (DRT) Beijing 2024. This recognition underscores the thriving dive tourism industry in the Philippines, spearheaded by the Philippine Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Beijing office. The Philippines’ participation in the expo showcased the country’s diverse underwater wonders, attracting significant attention from the global diving community.
Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz highlighted the substantial contribution of dive tourism to the Philippine economy. In 2023, revenue from dive tourism doubled, surpassing P73 billion, further solidifying the Philippines’ position as a global leader in the sector. This achievement fuels the country’s ambition to solidify its status as the “World’s Premier Dive Destination.”
The Philippines delegation, composed of 12 Filipino dive shops, resorts, and liveaboards, captivated the audience with presentations showcasing the country’s premier dive spots. Ernesto Teston, Assistant Tourism Attaché, delivered compelling presentations, while Sheena Anjeli Botiwey, head of the Tourism Promotions Board’s North Asia Division, actively forged partnerships between Filipino dive companies and Chinese clients.
Beyond the coveted “Best Diving Destination” award, the Philippines also secured recognition for its exceptional tourism promotion efforts, winning the “Best Tourism Promotion Partnership” award at the expo. These awards solidify the Philippines’ reputation as a world-class destination for diving enthusiasts and further propel its dive tourism industry toward continued growth and success.
