Diving sector to help Phl reach 10M tourist arrivals

CEBU, Philippines - Promoting the Philippines as the top diving destination in the world, the diving industry is seen to fuel the tourism and economic growth of the country in the years ahead.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., said that with diving as one of the top activities in the Philippines, the country could reach its target of 10 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016.

Last Wednesday, top officials of diving organizations and diving enthusiasts from national and international congregations gathered for the inaugural launching of the 1st World DEEP (Diving Expo and Exhibition Philippines) in Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.

The three-day dive expo that runs from April 18 to 21 is organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving (PCSSD) and Philippine Association on Underwater Activities (PAUA).

The Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), also known as the World Underwater Federation, will convene with its member federations worldwide for their weeklong elective general assembly.

Jimenez said that they are geared towards promoting the Philippines as the number one diving destination in the world, boasting of the country’s placement as the center of biodiversity and incorporating diving as a major product offering of the country.

“When you are here in the Philippines and you don’t like what you see on land, you could plunge your head underwater and you will be okay after,” he said.

He cited that the diving industry contributes to one-fourth of the total tourism revenue while dive enthusiasts account to not less than five percent of the country’s tourist arrivals, adding that divers tend to stay longer and spend more.

Around 15 percent of the foreign tourists visit Philippines for its diving destinations.

Aside from the passion for underwater, he further noted that the DOT advocates the preservation of marine ecosystem.

“We are starting with people who understand why this is important and why we continue to do it. You have to begin with the most important component of all – the love of diving. Keep diving. It will save the earth,” he said.

He further considered tourism as the key driver of socio-economic progress in the country.

Underwater sports

to perk up local market

PCSSD executive director Karen Chan emphasized the need for development of underwater sports and diving activities.

She noted that to increase the domestic market clientele for the diving industry, dive safety should be a priority for the country to boost the confidence of locals in underwater activities.

PAUA president Benedict Reyes revealed that the organization aims to conduct various underwater activities such as fin swimming, scuba diving, aquathlon, underwater rugby, technical diving, sport scuba and underwater photography.

He added that they are also encouraging the academe to reach out to the younger generation to be possible divers and underwater lovers.

CMAS president Achille Ferrero assured that the diving confederation will help promote the diving sites of the Philippines to its 140 member countries that will serve as potential future clients.

The exhibit, he added, will raise awareness on the booming diving industry of the country and strengthen its advocacy on the protection of the environment.

An example of which is the establishment of safety blankets and hyperbaric chambers within the diving destinations in the country.

The World DEEP showcases around 50 exhibitors of the various diving-related companies, underwater sports suppliers, resorts and hotels situated at the different diving sites in the country.

Aside from underwater aficionados, it is set to draw at least 130 leaders and representatives of the local and national diving communities.

As the first international dive expo in the country, it is designed to provide an avenue for bilateral talks, cultural exchanges, business collaborations and interaction among members, associate federations and entities of the diving community.

Seminars during the World DEEP will tackle underwater photography and emerging underwater sports such as fin swimming, underwater wrestling, and breath-hold diving.

Another event, the World Underwater Federation General Assembly, is also simultaneously conducted from April 17 to 23 that is intended to gather around 150 leaders of underwater federations globally. /JOB (FREEMAN)