The Philippines has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best Diving Destination Award at the 2024 Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, held in Beijing. This prestigious recognition not only highlights the country's exceptional diving sites but also enhances its standing on the global stage as a premier dive destination. The Philippines also secured the Best Tourism Promotion Partnership Award, reflecting the effectiveness of its promotional strategies in showcasing its underwater allure.
DRT Show: The Ultimate Dive Exhibition
The Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show is celebrated as the largest and most influential dive exhibition in Asia, drawing more than 450,000 industry professionals and diving enthusiasts from 65 countries each year. This event is a crucial platform for destinations to present their underwater attractions to a global audience. The Philippines’ success at the DRT Show is a testament to its vibrant marine biodiversity and world-class diving experiences. The award highlights the country's continued efforts to enhance its visibility and appeal in the competitive global diving market.
Strengthening Dive Tourism and Infrastructure
In a statement following the award, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting the Philippines as a top diving destination. With dive tourism generating over PHP 73 billion in revenue in 2023—nearly double the figure from 2022—the sector's economic impact is substantial. To support and sustain this growth, the Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to establish five additional hyperbaric chambers in key diving regions. These new facilities will be located in Puerto Galera, Boracay, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Camiguin, expanding the country's existing network of 15 chambers. The addition of these hyperbaric chambers will enhance safety and accessibility for divers, further solidifying the Philippines' reputation as a world-class dive destination.
The Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving has also made significant strides in developing and auditing dive sites across the country. With 120 dive destinations already evaluated, the ongoing efforts aim to ensure that these sites meet high standards of safety and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive approach to dive tourism not only supports the local economy but also preserves the marine environment, ensuring that future generations of divers can enjoy the rich underwater experiences that the Philippines has to offer.
