TravTalk India Online Magazine
Themed ‘Our Sea, Our Story’, the three-day Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2021 was conducted virtually by Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines to help support and sustain the country’s dive industry.
Manas Dwivedi
In her opening remarks, Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines, said, “This is the largest platform in the country for mobilising industry experts, stakeholders and divers in one space. We are here to foster collaboration, innovative ideas, sustainable solutions and economic opportunities. With the gradual activation of dive travel and tourism in various parts of the country, world events such as this are more crucial for the recovery of the diving industry. With Philippines widely recognised by scientists as the centre of marine biodiversity, it is fitting that we lead the region in marking an event that reflects the world-class diving destinations we are promoting with the theme ‘Our Sea, Our Story’. This event raises awareness not only in the Philippines about its rich biodiversity but also the different initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of the diving tourism industry. These are the efforts that sustain our standing as a leading diving destination in the world.”
She added that the Department of Tourism recognises diving as a major tourism product and hopes to further grow this industry in the country through an event that advocates for sustainability of the marine environment. “PHIDEX is distinct from other dive shows as it is the only one with a dive travel exchange – Travex, a B2B programme solely meant for the dive market along with post-event familiarisation trips to complement the trade Expo. Through these event components, we understand the Philippines advantage in the region both as a dive destination and as a dive travel business hub,” Romulo-Puyat shared.
This year’s PHIDEX hosted discussions by a number of prominent international personalities who are experts on the sea. Expo participants were able to view all these lectures and panel discussions on the event website. It also served as a space for divers and enthusiasts to purchase experiences and equipment from partners and exhibitors through the virtual marketplace called Travex.
