Philippine diving spots featured in international expo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) will showcase the top diving spots in the country during the first Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) slated on Sept. 20 to 22 at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

“The PHIDEX expects to draw renowned dive experts, scientists, marine conservationists, international dive buyers, influencers and underwater photographers and videographers to share their expertise, present innovative ideas, network with leading dive operators and lend their knowledge on sustainable diving practices with key stakeholders in the Philippines,” DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the expo also aims to promote sustainable tourism among divers,

“We are staging the PHIDEX to solidify the Philippines’ position as a topnotch travel and business center in the global diving industry. At the same time, we envision PHIDEX as a platform to promote sustainable tourism among dive beginners, underwater enthusiasts and free divers,” she said.

PHIDEX will feature a 270-square-meter Philippine pavilion showing the country’s foremost dive destinations including Anilao, Batangas; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Coron and Tubbataha, Palawan; Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu; Balicasag, Bohol, and Southern Leyte.

Puyat said the dive expo will highlight a dive conference to be conducted with at least 30 renowned local and international dive speakers and advocates invited to share their insights and expertise on new and creative approaches in the areas of sustainable diving, marine science and responsible underwater photography and videography through a series of interactive seminars and presentations.

Marine and ocean conservationists, the academe, government stakeholders and non-government organizations are also expected to join the panel discussions which will dwell on marine conservation and provide viable solutions to combat plastic pollution.

Puyat said at least 60 international dive buyers from DOT-identified markets signified their attendance, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Israel, Middle East, India, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand are also slated to attend the three-day dive expo to conduct business meetings with Philippine dive stakeholders.

She added that a two-day business-to-business (B2B) meetings between the international dive travel trade and local dive operators will be held simultaneously with the dive conference to enable international dive buyers to directly establish business linkages with the country’s premier dive resorts and dive centers.