The Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2024 opened with a boom as Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco revealed dive tourism numbers for the previous year of 2023.
Frasco expresses the tourism sector’s commitment to supporting the ongoing efforts to sustainably market the diving industry, stating how the Philippines, being one of the mega biodiverse countries of the globe, should embrace its natural resources and properly promote the industries banking off of them.
The revenue generated by the industry for 2023 was around ₱73 billion, almost twice the ₱37 billion revenue generated the previous year, 2022. Frasco mentioned Pres. Marcos as one of the main supporters of the industry, helping reinforce the Philippines’ position as the World’s Premier Dive Destination and advocating for marine sustainability.
Most recently, the country has since expanded its roster of dive tourism offerings, with lesser-known and emerging destinations tallying up the total count of spots to approximately 120. Additionally, five hyperbaric chambers were added to the following locations:
- Boracay Island
- Camiguin
- Daanbantayan, Cebu
- Dumaguete
- Puerto Galera
Hyperbaric chambers treat surfacing scuba divers from rapid changes in pressure and keep them safe from any lasting dangers to their lungs and health.
This goes to show the country’s commitment to solidifying its position as one of the best places to pursue aquatic activities, with the diving industry’s achievements steadily gaining traction on social media.
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