Intl. divers group to help promote the country as prime dive spot

CEBU, Philippines - The 1st World Deep Expo had its inaugural launching in Cebu yesterday at the Marquee, in the Shangri-la Resorts, Mactan, Cebu.

The said diving expo launching was attended by Department of  Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez with the International Board of the Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques.

Jimenez said that with this expo, they are gearing towards making the Philippines as the next dive destination of the world.

“Today (yesterday), you have to remember April 18 as the largest congregation of dive enthusiasts in the world gathered here. This is not a small beginning, rather it is a big beginning with people who understand why this is important and why this should be continued,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said that they chose Cebu as the host of the inaugural launching as the province has shown that this is the place where most of the people love to dive.

“Diving is what we like and what we need to do. We wanted to be a dominant force of diving and for the conservation of the aquamarine resources all over the world. In the future, we aim that the world will come to the Philippines for diving,” Jimenez said.

CMAS President Achille Ferrero will help promote the diving spots in the Philippines to 140 countries.

“These countries will be the potential future clients. We will bring all these countries here to know diving, the diving sites and industries here in the country and we expect an incredible, excellent and a positive input,” Ferrero said.

DOT-7 Regional Director Rowena Montecillo said that diving is one of the top activities in Cebu and the province has big potential to be a diving destination here in the country.

World Deep organizer Karen Chan, who is also the executive director of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving said that there is a need for the development of the underwater sports and activities.

The Expo will provide a venue for bilateral talks, cultural exchanges and interaction between members as well as associate federations and entities.

The Philippine Association on Underwater Activities presented the different underwater activities which include scientific diving, international coastal cleanup, fin swimming, orienteering, scuba diving, aquathlon, apnea diving, underwater rugby, technical diving, sport scuba and underwater photography.

Adding value to the expo and exhibit are underwater sports suppliers, resorts-hotels located in diving destinations of the Philippines where they showcase their products and services.

An interactive seminar was also conducted by CMAS representatives for free at the World Deep expo starting yesterday until April 21.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)