The Philippines spearheaded by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is eyeing to attract more foreign tourists for the country’s diving destinations. This is after said agency participated in an international indoor water sports show in Germany.
The TPB said in a Facebook post that it participated in the International Boat Show Düsseldorf, also known as BOOT Düsseldorf in Germany last January. The BOOT Düsseldorf consisted of nine days of unique aquatic attractions.
“The delegation, coming from the Philippines’ growing dive industry, encourages more German dive enthusiasts, including marine photographers and videographers, to explore the impressive underwater world of the country,” TPB said in its Facebook post.
The agency also stated that the BOOT Düsseldorf “provides opportunity to widen network and strengthen business connections with European dive tour operators and media.”
The TPB also added that the Philippine booth at the trade expo showcased the country’s awe-inspiring marine biodiversity, highlighting its capacity for driving the diving tourism market in the country.
In 2019, the Philippines was awarded as the world’s leading dive destination by the World Travel Awards.
The Philippines won over eight other global dive destinations nominated under the same category. These were Azores Islands of Portugal, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.
The Department of Tourism identified dive tourism as a critical part of the National Tourism Development Plan that can positively induce industry growth through increased visitor count, extended length of stay, higher tourism revenue, etc.
With additional report from: The Philippine Star – Catherine Talavera
Photo Courtesy: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines – Facebook, Angie de Silva – Rappler,
