Dive tourism is Philippine’s ace in the back pocket

With more than 300 dive sites, some of which are recognised globally, dive tourism can boost the industry’s recovery.

Although the Philippines’ tourism is still close to foreign travellers, the local destinations are open to domestic tourists following the strict implementation of COVID-19 protocols. As the pandemic fuelled the rising trend of outdoor experiences, the Philippines is in the best position for global tourism.

“The Philippines as an archipelago, at the centre of the coral triangle, is home to biologically diverse marine and aquatic resources. We are proud to have a dive destination that has it all,” DOT Secretary Puyat said in the recently concluded Dive Philippines webinar series.

Some of the notable dive sites in the Philippines are the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in Palawan, Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro, Malapascua Island in Cebu, Anilao dive sites in Batangas, and the Verde Island Passage in Puerto Galera.

Attesting to its underwater beauty, the Philippines won as the World’s Leading Dive Destination in the 27th World Travel Awards.

“It is no wonder that diving and marine sports are considered one of our country’s top tourism products and attractions. Most of the flourishing tourism activities available in the country today are water-based – from adventure to eco-tourism activities such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing,” Puyat said.