International expo puts spotlight on Philippines as a diving haven

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will be put on the spotlight as a diving haven as it hosts the Diving and Resort Travel Expo Philippines 2015 (DRT Show) that also aims to promote trading, export business, and environment conservation.

“Our archipelago’s more than 7,107 tropical islands are known in the world as a dive  haven, offering truly diverse and meaningful dive travel experiences all year round,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

He said the DRT Show would be an important venue to underscore the importance of responsible, ethical and sustainable diving tourism, as well as the global significance of conserving the country’s biodiversity.

“The abundance, distribution, and degree of threat to which these resources are exposed call for a rapid and effective response to accelerate the coverage of conservation efforts in the country,” he said.

The DRT Show will cater at least 2,000 international dive exhibitors, enthusiasts and marine conservationists, with an expected attendance of 10,000 to 15,000 and is envisioned to be the first and biggest international diving event in the country.

The three-day exposition will gather diving industry stakeholders, especially those from Asia and Oceania, and is organized by the Hong Kong and Shanghai-based LX Development Group (LXDG).