DoT-8 promotes Sogod Bay as key diving site

TACLOBAN CITY: Department of Tourism (DoT) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karen Tiopes promoted Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte as the leading diving site in Eastern Visayas as part of the department’s effort to expand dive tourism.

Tiopes on Monday said that the department wants Eastern Visayas to contribute and become an important component of the country’s reputation as the Best Dive Destination.

“Southern Leyte, notably Sogod Bay, has been on the diving map, but we will do our best to get more areas in the region recognized as dive sites, such as Biliran, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar,”Tiopes said.

“We sincerely hope that the entire Eastern Visayas will soon be included on the diving map,” she added.

Tiopes also said that the demand for dive sites and resorts is outstanding, but the supply is insufficient in Eastern Visayas,

which is why the department will also focus on investment promotions to construct more dive shops, particularly during peak season.

“It will be beneficial to the livelihood of people in Eastern Visayas,” Tiopes said.

“We cannot sufficiently promote diving tourism if there are not enough players,” she added.

The Province of Southern Leyte participated in the Philippine Internal Dive Expo (Phidex) on Feb. 23-25, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay, Metro Manila.

Phidex, hosted by the DoT and Asian Dive Expo (ADEX), is the major gathering of the Philippine diving community.

Since 2019, it has brought together industry professionals, stakeholders, and diving enthusiasts to encourage interaction on new ideas, sustainable solutions, and economic prospects.