Philippines eyeing to attract more foreign divers

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) participated in a two-day diving expo in the United Kingdom with hopes to lure more foreign divers to visit the Philippines.

Dive Birmingham is the biggest event for scuba divers in the UK. Organized by DIVER Group — one of the leading dive magazines in Britain — this two-day event was held last October 27-28.

It attracted around 60,000 visitors and exhibitors including dive clubs, dive resorts and destinations, diving industry travel operators, professional and leisure divers, and suppliers of dive equipment and gear.

Growing the country’s dive tourism

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said there is potential for the Philippine dive tourism to grow, particularly in the segments of beginner divers and underwater photography.

Bengzon also added that freediving has become an emerging market in the country as it can be done all year round. Not to mention that the Philippine waters offers a rich marine life, a big attraction for divers around the world.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also emphasized on the country’s biodiverse waters, which is great for all types of dives.

“Our biodiverse waters means that there is a site for all types of dives, and all types of marine life or species to see and check off your bucket list. We have it all – from the rarest and smallest critters to the largest pelagic fish, colorful reefs and many others,” Puyat said.

via Philippine Star / Catherine Talavera