Philippines hailed as best diving destination in Beijing

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines won the Best Tourism Promotion Partnership award and Best Diving Destination award at the Diving, Resort and Travel Show Beijing 2024.

The Office of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Beijing (PDOT-Beijing) led the country’s participation in the event, which aimed to expedite the development of the diving industry in the Asia Pacific and foster heightened awareness of marine conservation.

Showcasing the Philippines as a dive destination, Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said dive tourism contributed over P73 billion to the Philippine economy in 2023, twice the revenue generated by the industry in 2022.

“With this, we are determined to project the Philippines as the ‘World’s Premier Dive Destination,’” FlorCruz said.

Twelve dive shops, resorts and liveaboards from the Philippines took part in the event which generated substantial sales leads for the participants.

Assistant tourism attaché of PDOT-Beijing Ernesto Teston presented the top Philippine dive destinations spots, while Sheena Anjeli Botiwey, head of the North Asia Division of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board introduced the different diving companies in the Philippines to partner with Chinese clients.