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| (Image Source: Philippine Embassy - Singapore/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
The Philippines’ participation in Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Singapore, known as Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, was a resounding success after a three-day business-to-consumer session, generating Php197,219,062.09 in combined negotiated sales leads and actual bookings. This marked more than 300% increase from last year’s negotiated sales leads. In addition to this feat, the country was named the “Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year” in recognition of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices in dive tourism.
“This recognition, alongside our long list of accolades celebrating the beauty of our nation, underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Participation in trade fairs like ADEX provides us a platform to promote the Philippines’ diverse tourism products and experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with local communities and dive operators to ensure sustainable practices are followed so that our country’s treasures will still be enjoyed by future generations in the years to come," said Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB PH) Chief Operating Officer Ma. Margarita Montemayor Nograles. As the event’s official country partner for the third consecutive year, the Philippine Pavilion utilized a 90-square-meter booth space to feature some of the country’s finest dive sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, the famed sardine run of Moalboal in Cebu, and the marine and natural park of Apo Reef in Mindoro.
The Philippine delegation, led by TPB, is composed of 16 exhibitors from the dive industry, accommodation, and tour operators including Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Thresher Shark Divers, Infiniti Liveaboard Inc., El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Scandi Divers, M.Y. Resolute, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Logon Fish Buddies Diveshop, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Fun & Sun Dive & Travel, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours/Fisheye Divers, Sea Explorers Philippines, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards who offered dive and liveaboard packages in the top and emerging dive destinations in the Philippines. In a series of talks and panel discussions, renowned underwater photographer, cave diving expert, Filipino scuba instructor and book author (Guide To Anilao) Ram Yoro shared insights on the Best of Philippine diving to further establish and sustain the country’s reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Other Filipinos also represented the country on several panel stages including renowned underwater photographers Bo Mancao and Alex Santos and distinguished sustainability advocates Cat Trivino and Antoinette Taus.
Held last April 12-14, 2024 at the Suntec Exhibition and Convention Centre in Singapore, the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) provides a platform for dive operators, equipment manufacturers and national tourism boards from across the region to connect and present new technologies, diving destinations and tour packages to the global diving community. The event marked the celebration of the regional diving showcase's 30th year anniversary which is also headlined by its observance of the Pearl Jubilee Ocean Festival 2024 dedicated to a sustainable blue economy. The TPB has been participating in ADEX for over ten years which has been significant in ensuring that Singapore remains one of the country’s top source markets.
