Renowned globally for its unmatched marine biodiversity and breathtaking underwater landscapes, the Philippines has once again proven its stature as a leader in dive tourism. On November 28-29, 2024, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) hosted the inaugural Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas. This milestone event combined diplomacy, cultural exchange, and sustainability, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a premier global destination for divers.
Text by EZDIVE | Photos by Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)
Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced a major achievement: the Philippines has been recognised as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. This accolade, along with other international recognitions, reflects the Philippines’ dedication to maintaining world-class dive destinations while championing environmental conservation and community-driven initiatives.
Day 1: Diplomacy, Culture, and Anilao’s Underwater Wonders
A Grand Opening: Celebrating Unity Through Tourism
The event opened at Anilao’s Aiyanar Dive Resort, welcoming dignitaries, ambassadors, and leaders from the dive and tourism sectors. Among the high-ranking diplomatic guests were H.E. Lee Sang Hwa (South Korea), H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain (India), H.E. Catherine McIntosh (New Zealand), and H.E. Lai Binh (Vietnam), who joined representatives from 15 countries as “Dive Ambassadors.”
Secretary Frasco tied the event to the broader goals of the national government in her keynote address:
“At the heart of the Philippine Dive Experience is our President’s vision for tourism transformation. We are not merely recovering what was lost but striving to elevate the Philippines to its rightful place among global tourism leaders—a nation that values sustainability, regenerates its resources, and celebrates its identity, heritage, and culture.”
The opening ceremony was enlivened by vibrant cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of Batangas province, reflecting the deep connection between the Philippines’ natural and cultural treasures.
LOVE Reef: A Symbol of Conservation and Community
The afternoon featured dives to the LOVE Reef, an artificial reef created through community collaboration to foster coral growth and marine biodiversity. Experienced divers marvelled at the reef’s colourful marine life, while non-divers participated in introductory scuba sessions.
H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay (Lao-PDR) shared their impressions of the dive:
“Exploring LOVE Reef is both humbling and inspiring. It exemplifies how conservation can go hand-in-hand with sustainable tourism, empowering local communities while preserving marine ecosystems.”
This initiative is part of the DOT’s broader strategy to integrate conservation with tourism development, ensuring that marine treasures are protected for future generations.
Professional Media Witness: EZDIVE Magazine’s Participation
As a representative of international diving media, the renowned bilingual diving magazine EZDIVE was also invited to participate in this Philippine Dive Experience.
EZDIVE magazine is known for its professional diving coverage and deep focus on marine ecology. Beyond capturing the event’s remarkable moments, it provided international readers with a unique perspective on the Philippines as a world-class diving destination, offering an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Philippine diving culture and sustainable tourism concepts.
Day 2: Sustainability in Action and Cultural Heritage Exploration
Coastal Cleanup: Collective Responsibility for the Environment
Day two began with a coastal and underwater cleanup at Anilao Pier, reflecting the DOT’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Diplomats, local volunteers, and dive professionals joined forces to remove debris, demonstrating how international cooperation can positively impact marine conservation.
Secretary Frasco underscored the importance of such initiatives:
“The sustainability of dive tourism relies not only on the beauty of our marine environments but also on our collective responsibility to protect and preserve them. By working together—local communities, stakeholders, and international allies—we ensure that these treasures remain a source of pride and livelihood for generations to come.”
The cleanup culminated in a ceremonial weighing of the collected debris, highlighting the tangible results of these collaborative efforts.
Taal Heritage Town: A Journey Through Time
Following the cleanup, participants were treated to a cultural immersion in Taal Heritage Town, a historic gem in Batangas known for its colonial architecture and artisanal crafts. Diplomats explored ancestral homes, learnt about traditional hand-weaving techniques, and sampled local delicacies, gaining a deeper appreciation for the province’s rich cultural tapestry.
H.E. Catherine McIntosh (New Zealand) remarked:
“Taal Heritage Town showcases the Philippines’ ability to seamlessly blend history, culture, and tourism. This experience has been as enriching above water as it was below.”
Achievements and Announcements
World’s Leading Dive Destination: Sixth Consecutive Win
During the event, the DOT celebrated the Philippines’ recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards for the sixth year in a row. This honor, coupled with accolades from the Diving Resort Travel Expo (DRT SHOW) and the TripZilla Excellence Awards, cements the Philippines’ status as a global diving powerhouse.
New Initiatives to Boost Dive Tourism
Secretary Frasco also unveiled several initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s dive tourism infrastructure:
- The installation of Hyperbaric chambers at key dive sites to ensure diver safety and meet international standards.
- The expansion of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, which has trained over 262,000 tourism professionals, including 10,000 in the CALABARZON region.
These efforts underscore the DOT’s commitment to elevating the Philippines as a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination while providing economic opportunities for local communities. In 2023 alone, the Philippine dive industry generated ₱73 billion in revenue, reflecting its critical role in the country’s economy.
Philippine Dive Experience: A Model for Tourism Diplomacy
The Philippine Dive Experience was more than just a showcase of marine biodiversity; it served as a platform for international cooperation and cultural exchange. By bringing together diplomats, local stakeholders, and industry leaders, the event highlighted the role of tourism in fostering mutual understanding and collective action for sustainability.
H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain (India) summarised the event’s impact:
“The Philippine Dive Experience demonstrates the transformative power of tourism. It inspires us not only to explore but also to protect and cherish these wonders for future generations.”
A Vision for the Future
As the DOT continues to champion sustainable tourism, the Philippine Dive Experience marks a pivotal moment in positioning the Philippines as a global leader in dive tourism. Secretary Frasco concluded:
“We invite the world to discover the unparallelled beauty of the Philippines, but more importantly, to join us in safeguarding these treasures. Together, we can ensure that our dive destinations remain sources of pride and prosperity for generations to come.”
Conclusion: Beneath the Waves, Beyond Borders
The Philippine Dive Experience bridged nations, showcasing the Philippines’ natural wonders, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability. It demonstrated that diving is not merely an activity but a means to unite people and foster a shared responsibility for the planet.
As the Philippines continues to lead in global dive tourism, the legacy of the Philippine Dive Experience will undoubtedly inspire the world—one dive at a time.
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Learn more about Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT): https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/#
