Part of the Coral Triangle, home to hundreds of species of corals and marine life… these are the reasons why the Philippines has earned the World Travel Awards recognition in 2020 as the World’s Leading Dive Destination.
Anchored on these natural treasures, the country with the help of the tourism department is determined to revive the diving industry and realize its potential amid the new normal.
Thus, the country’s largest platform for the diving community was launched today with the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) virtual conference which will run from March 19 to 21, 2021 with the theme “Our Sea, Our Story.”
“This event aims to raise awareness, not only of the Philippines’ rich and biodiverse seas, but also of the different initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of our dive tourism industry and how they sustain our standing as a leading dive destination in the world,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in the virtual ceremony of PHIDEX.
The secretary added, with the diving community at the forefront of environmental protection initiatives, the event also advocates marine environment sustainability and offer dive products and services beyond borders through the help of virtual marketplaces.
The conferences, panel discussions, and presentations will feature experts in the field involving dive tourism recovery, industry sustainability, underwater photography, marine conversation, among others.
“With the health and safety protocols in place to ensure the safe reopening of our destinations, we are taking this opportunity to pivot towards sustainable solutions in the recovery of our destinations,” Sec. Romulo-Puyat stressed.
The country’s top and emerging diving destinations include Anilao in Batangas; Panglao, Balicasag and Cabilao in Bohol; Moalboal and Malapascua in Cebu, Coron and Tubbataha in Palawan, Dauin in Negros Oriental; Sipalay in Negros Occidental; Camiguin and Misamis Oriental; Davao; Donsol in Sorsogon; and Ticao Island in Masbate.
Under the current set-up, tourism is allowed for areas under MGCQ with strict travel requirements and health protocols, the department is urging the public to strictly abide by the health protocols to arrest the further spread of COVID-19. —Naomi Tiburcio
