THE Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2024 has officially opened its doors at the World Trade Center Manila, highlighting the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to supporting the country’s dive tourism industry.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the department’s efforts to promote dive tourism, including the Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue held in various regions and the expansion of dive offerings to emerging destinations. The Philippines now boasts approximately 120 dive spots.
As part of its commitment to enhance dive safety, the DOT will install five hyperbaric chambers in key locations including Camiguin, Puerto Galera, Boracay Island, Dumaguete, and Malapascua in Daanbantayan Island, Cebu.
PHIDEX is recognized as the only dive show globally that combines a business-to-business meeting program, a dive travel exchange, conferences, seminars, exhibition groups, and familiarization tours to key and emerging Philippine dive sites.
During the opening ceremony, Secretary Frasco thanked industry partners for their support in advancing the Philippine diving industry. Distinguished guests at the event included Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Thailand Tull Traisorat, House Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, Eastern Samar Governor Ben P. Evardone, and AIDEX Chief Executive Officer John Thet.
PHIDEX 2024 serves as a platform to showcase the beauty of the Philippines’ underwater world and promote sustainable dive tourism in the country.
