TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 has showcased the potential of the province of Batanes for diving tourism adventure in the 2024 Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) held recently at the Philippines World Trade Center, Pasay, Metro Manila. 

Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano said the expo facilitated cooperation within the diving industry and exchanged sustainable ocean tourism practices.

The PHIDEX, which was established in 2019 by the DOT, has become a pivotal event for diving enthusiasts, attracting local and international experts, and facilitating business-to-business meetings between dive operators and Philippine stakeholders. 

"The expo hosts the dive travel exchange, a unique feature fostering partnerships and networking in the country," Miano said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized during the opening ceremony the dive industry's significant contribution to the economy, exceeding P73 billion in revenue last year. 

She also formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement with officials of various non-government organizations (NGOs) for a collaborative partnership toward the promotion of the dive industry. 

Officials of the Department of Tourism Region 2 and Dive Batanes entertain visitors at the Cagayan Valley booth highlighting Batanes’ dive potential during the Philippine International Dive Expo at the Philippines World Trade Center, Pasay, Metro Manila. (Photo courtesy of DOT Region 2)

The partnership also aims to collaborate on environmental sustainability and marine protection programs, designate focal persons for coordination, and support each other's promotional events and marketing activities.

DOT Region 2 partnered with Dive Batanes in the promotion of the diving potential of the island province of Batanes at the expo. Dive Batanes is a tour operator that offers scuba diving and snorkeling adventures in the pristine reefs of Batanes.

Dive Batanes is a certified professional association of diving instructors accredited by the DOT as a tourism establishment and by the Philippine Commission on Sports for scuba diving. 

Miano added that the participation of the DOT Region 2 and Dive Batanes in the expo highlighted their commitment to the promotion of sustainable dive tourism and the preservation of marine ecosystems in the Philippines.

He said that through initiatives like PHIDEX, stakeholders will further strengthen partnerships, enhance industry standards, and showcase the country's diverse underwater landscapes to the global diving community. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from DOT 2)