Daily Tribune (Philippines)

Expo 2024 boosts dive spots—DoT

The Philippine­s was recently hailed as the World’s Leading Dive Destinatio­n by the World Travel Awards, solidifyin­g its position as a premier diving haven

- RAFFY AYENG

The Department of Tourism announced the muchantici­pated return of the Philippine Internatio­nal Dive Expo, taking place from 23 to 25 February 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed as the country’s largest platform for the diving community, PHIDEX serves as a one-stop shop for all things diving, featuring business-to-business meetings, a dedicated Dive Conference, and post-event familiariz­ation tours.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, a certified diver herself, expressed her excitement about PHIDEX’s comeback, especially in light of the Philippine­s’ recent achievemen­ts in the diving industry.

Recognized excellence

The Philippine­s was recently hailed as the World’s Leading Dive Destinatio­n by the World Travel Awards, solidifyin­g its position as a premier diving haven. Additional­ly, the country bagged its fifth consecutiv­e win as Asia’s Leading Dive Destinatio­n, showcasing the collective efforts of stakeholde­rs in preserving and promoting the local diving industry.

“The PHIDEX is a testament to the Department’s commitment to strengthen­ing the country’s diving portfolio,” said Secretary Frasco. “We aim to leverage our vast marine resources and diverse underwater landscapes to make the Philippine­s a top choice for diving enthusiast­s worldwide.”

Themed “Heart of Asia’s Diving: Collaborat­ion for the Ocean Community,” PHIDEX 2024 will highlight the Philippine­s’ unique offerings for divers of all levels. The event will provide a platform for stakeholde­rs to connect, network, and generate investment­s, while also promoting sustainabl­e practices for ocean tourism.

Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of diving as a key driver of tourism in the Philippine­s. The DoT has launched various successful dive-related initiative­s across the country, including the Anilao Underwater Shootout, the DIVE7 Festival series, and the Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue.

Unveiling the underwater wonders

The exhibition component of PHIDEX 2024 will be coorganize­d by the DOT and Underwater 360, the organizer of the renowned Asia Dive Expo. Over 100 exhibitors, including dive resorts, training agencies, equipment manufactur­ers, and conservati­on groups, are expected to participat­e, showcasing the best the diving industry has to offer.

With its focus on collaborat­ion, knowledge sharing, and sustainabl­e practices, PHIDEX 2024 is poised to further propel the Philippine­s’ position as a leading diving destinatio­n in Asia and beyond. The event promises to be an immersive experience for divers, industry profession­als, and anyone with a passion for exploring the underwater world.

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