PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently launched the first ever coffee table book which showcased the beauty of Tubbataha Reef.
The coffee table book "Tubbataha: A National Treasure" was published by Marissa Floirendo of the Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation (AOF), which featured breathtaking photographs by Maria Teresa "Tet" Lara.
Tourism chief Wanda Tulfo-Teo presented the coffee table book at the sidelines of the World Travel Market at the ExCel Convention Center, London last November 2016. She said the book also positioned the Philippines as a diving hub.
“This book encapsulates the depth and breadth of our magnificent and rich marine heritage, and strongly amplifies our country’s proud position as the center of marine biodiversity. More than enticing global divers to enjoy this God-given gift, this book will drive forward our advocacy on environmental conservation and protection," Teo said.
Secretary Wanda Teo (second from left) hands over a copy of the book to Graeme Gourlay (center), Managing Director of Dive Magazine, the largest subscribed dive publication in the UK.DOT/Released
Teo said the Tourism department is intensifying its efforts to make the Philippines a sports tourism hub by highlighting the country’s growing niche such as diving and marine sports.
Based on the DOT records, Philippine diving industry only makes 1.7 percent market share of the 7.3 million active divers worldwide.
The Tubbataha Reefs National Park was established by the late President Corazon Aquino. It was declared as the ASEAN Heritage Site, a Flyway Network Site and is the sole marine UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Rosette Adel