The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking to capitalize on the country’s famed dive tourism by showcasing its prime diving spots and resorts by hosting one of the world’s largest diving expositions.
According to a DOT statement Monday, this year’s Dive Resort Travel (DRT) and the Dive Travel Mart (DTM) will feature top-level exhibitors from 48 countries and is expected to be attended by 20,000 diving enthusiasts.
“We look forward to the arrival of some 100 dive travel agents, operators and media from opportunity markets including France, Italy, Spain, the Nordic Region, Middle East and India,” DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said in the statement.
“These new markets now see the Philippines as a richly-diverse destination for underwater adventure,” he added.
According to Bengzon, the DOT will facilitate business-to-business (B2B) meetings between local stakeholders and foreign dive tour operators to take advantage of the expo’s huge attendance.
He said this activity and the B2B meetings would enhance the country’s reputation in terms of being a diving hub.
“Through the Dive Travel Mart, we aim to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a world-class dive travel and business hub, where everyone can experience first-hand dive products and services, at the same time, find tour dive sites accessible,” Bengzon said.
The undersecretary also said that more freediving events have been held in the Philippines since world champion and celebrity freediver Guillaume Nery endorsed the country as the “Freediving Capital of Asia”.
The event, which will be held at the SM Megatrade Hall from September 7-9, 2018, will culminate in a five-day, four-night tour of selected diving destinations on September 10-14.
The DOT said participants can choose between the country’s diving spots, such as Anilao in Batangas, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Dumaguete in Negros Occidental, Bohol, Malapascua and Moalbal in Cebu, Siquijor Island, and Southern Leyte.
Admission to the DRT Show is P200. For more information, interested parties can visit www.philippinesdiveexpo.com. /cbb