Philippines earns P113M in leads at Malaysia dive expo
MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine dive delegation led by the Tourism Promotions Board generated more than P113 million in sales leads at the Malaysia International Dive Expo in Kuala Lumpur.
The event, held from June 5 to 7 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, is an annual dive and marine lifestyle trade exhibit in the region. The Philippines used the expo to position itself as a leading dive destination.
Ten local dive outfits represented the country, offering special packages ranging from discounted accommodation rates to guided liveaboard adventures.
Expo guests, most of them from Malaysia, visited the Philippines' 72-square-meter pavilion, which featured images from award-winning dive locations.
The destinations that drew the strongest interest were Palawan, Negros Oriental, Batangas, Cebu and Mindoro. Guests also expressed interest in specialized experiences such as pelagic and wreck diving.
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Dive market push
Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Ma. Marga Nograles said MIDE gave the Philippines an opportunity to showcase its dive destinations to the Malaysian market and the rest of the region.
"This year, we came in not only showing the beauty of our underwater treasures but also strengthening our continued support for the Malaysian and Philippine dive stakeholders as evidenced by the Longstanding Appreciation Award we received for our participation for the last 13 years," Nograles said.
The agency organized 142 business-to-business meetings through its market representative in Malaysia, allowing Filipino dive stakeholders to build partnerships with dive agents in the country and generate sales.
Participating dive outfits also highlighted improved accessibility through local carriers and Malaysia-based airlines such as AirAsia and Firefly.
The Tourism Promotions Board also organized marketing and promotional activities for the public, including free promotional items for visitors who answered market surveys and booked dive packages in the Philippines.
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