Philippines named world’s top dive destination

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines once again won as the “world’s leading dive destination” for 2024 at the World Travel Awards, the sixth so far for the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced.

“The World Travel Awards, considered the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry, has just awarded the Philippines as the world’s leading dive destination for 2024,” Trade Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

The Philippines won the same honor from 2019 to 2023, according to the website of the World Travel Awards. The country also won as Asia’s leading dive destination for 2024, which qualified it for the global category.

Frasco announced the new award yesterday during the launch of the Philippine Dive Experience Program in Batangas, most popular for its dive destination Anilao.

Frasco cited the country earned an estimated P73 billion from the dive industry in 2023.

Meanwhile, the “Love the Philippines” campaign brings Filipino wonders back to New York City’s Times Square through a campaign launched by the DOT and the Philippine consulate general in New York.

Through a series of 15-second videos displayed at Broadway and 44th corner 45th Streets, the campaign highlights the Philippines’ exceptional offerings. – Pia Lee-Brago