The Philippines continues to strengthen its long-standing position as Asia’s premier dive destination, reaffirming its global reputation through sustained international promotion and strong public–private collaboration.
This commitment was recently highlighted at BOOT Düsseldorf, the world’s largest boat and dive show, where the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) once again showcased the country’s diverse dive tourism offerings to European markets, particularly Germany.
Europe Remains a Strategic Dive Market
According to Jojo, Acting Head for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India at TPB, Europe remains a priority due to the profile of its dive travelers.
“Dive tourists provide bigger returns,” he said. “They stay longer, spend more, and are quality travelers.”
German divers, in particular, are known for extended stays that can last weeks or even months. This travel behavior aligns well with the Philippines’ strength as a multi-destination dive country, allowing visitors to experience multiple regions within a single trip.
The Philippines’ Marine Biodiversity Advantage
Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is home to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. The Verde Island Passage, often described by scientists as “the center of the center of marine biodiversity,” supports an extraordinary concentration of marine life.
The Philippines hosts an estimated 2,500 species of fish and 600 to 700 coral species, surpassing many of the world’s most well-known dive destinations. These figures, verified by marine scientists, translate into highly diverse dive experiences across the country.
“Divers who have been to the Maldives or the Caribbean often tell us that when they come to the Philippines, everything is here,” Jojo noted. “That’s why many of them return.”
Public–Private Partnerships Drive Visibility
The Philippines’ sustained presence at major international dive shows is driven by collaboration between TPB and the private sector.
Rather than individual resorts competing independently, Philippine dive operators are presented under a unified national pavilion. This approach significantly lowers participation costs while maintaining a high-quality presentation.
“Smaller resorts benefit greatly,” Jojo explained. “They gain access to global buyers without having to shoulder the full cost of international exhibitions.”
TPB tracks sales leads and participant feedback annually, with figures showing steady growth in inquiries and engagement year after year.
Reinforcing a Long-Standing Position
As global dive tourism grows increasingly competitive, the Philippines is not redefining its identity but reinforcing one it has long held.
Through sustained international promotion, strong partnerships, and a dive product backed by science and service excellence, the country continues to strengthen its standing as Asia’s premier dive destination.
