PASAY CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Friday that dive tourism has significantly bolstered the Philippine economy, contributing at least PHP73 billion in 2023. The announcement was made by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the inauguration of the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2024, held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
According to Philippines News Agency, this revenue marks a substantial increase from the PHP37 billion recorded in 2022, nearly doubling the earnings in a year. Secretary Frasco emphasized the Philippines' global recognition for its biodiversity, highlighting the country's responsibility to not only market but also ensure the sustainability of the dive tourism sector. She remarked on the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippines, which is home to over 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish, underlining the country’s commitment to preserving its status as a top dive destination while promoting environmental sustainability.
The DOT's efforts to enhance the dive tourism industry align with President's vision, aiming to further increase the industry's revenue and strengthen the Philippines' position as the world's premier dive destination. To support this vision, the Philippines has expanded its dive tourism to include around 120 dive destinations nationwide, focusing on both popular and emerging locations.
In addition to promoting dive sites, Secretary Frasco announced the deployment of five new hyperbaric chambers in strategic diving locations, including Boracay Island, Camiguin, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Dumaguete, and Puerto Galera. These chambers are crucial for the treatment of scuba and deep-sea divers experiencing decompression sickness due to rapid pressure changes.
PHIDEX 2024, spanning three days, is set to provide extensive networking opportunities for stakeholders in the dive industry, including business-to-business meetings, conferences, and exhibitions showcasing the best of the Philippines' dive sites and services.