DTM showcases PH underwater tourism
TOURISM Secretary Berna Romu-
that international exposure will make the Philippines a globally competitive diving destination, owing to the country’s marine biodiversity, acknowledged by experts as among the richest in the world.
“We have it all— from the rarest and smallest critters to
reefs, and many others,” RomuloPuyat told visitors to the fourth edition of Diving Resorts and Travel (DRT), held recently at SM Megamall, in Mandaluyong City.
The dive sites being promoted include Anilao, in Batangas, Puerto Galera ( Mindoro), Dumaguete ( Negros Oriental), Bohol province, Malapascua and Moalbal (both in Cebu), Siquijor Island, and Southern Leyte.
Welcoming hundreds of international and local diving enthusiasts, Romulo-Puyat said, “So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing fun dive, honing your photography skills, doing technical or cave dives, or training to free dive, we invite you to take on our dive sites.”
This year’s DRT attracted participants from a number of countries, 45 local exhibitors and sellers, 58 international buyers, and 12 international media organizations. The event featured the latest technology in underwater photography, snorkeling and diving gears, and business- to- business opportunities for the sellers that, according to organizers, generated 1,638 business leads.
“Through this initiative, the department aims to sustain the competitiveness of our dive tourism products through the continued introduction and development
of other segments in our product portfolio,” Romulo-Puyat said, citing free diving and technical diving, taking into consideration the needs of established and new markets.