DOT launches Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) launched on Thursday the Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas, reinforcing the Philippines' status as a top destination worldwide for diving and exploring marine biodiversity. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the dive-focused initiative under the DOT's Philippine Experience program, in recognition of the Philippines' sixth consecutive year as the World's Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards. She said the DOT would continue promoting sustainable dive tourism in the country. "The Philippines holds the distinct privilege of being one of only 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world. And we find ourselves here at the center of marine biodiversity, where we realize that if we do not prioritize conservation and shepherd the sustainable industry — that is diving, then we post the risk of not only losing these marine wonders but also of depriving future generations of sources of income and livelihood," Frasco said. "This is why, we have been very consistent and aggressive in ensuring that we support dive from all pillars of development." The event, which recognized the Philippines' outstanding marine biodiversity and potential to attract global recognition, was attended by executives from the diving and tourism sectors, as well as the leaders of tourism organizations, dive operators, and certification bodies. Anilao, a world-renowned diving location, served as the starting point for the Philippine Dive Experience tourism circuit. Frasco emphasized Anilao's strategic value and its relation to the Verde Island Passage. "This globally significant corridor is a haven for marine life and a dream destination for underwater photographers," she said. Certified divers checked out Anilao's beautiful underwater scenery, including the LOVE Reef, an artificial reef developed through community-driven conservation initiatives. Non-divers were given access to the underwater environment through guided diving adventures, which provided an immersive tour of the Philippines' marine treasures. Frasco also outlined significant steps to promote diving tourism, including the building of hyperbaric chambers at strategic dive sites to assure diver safety and compliance with international standards. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang Hwa, Bangladesh Ambassador F.M. Borhan Uddin, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain, Lao-PDR Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay, Malaysian Ambassador Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, Sri Lanka Ambassador Chanaka Talpahewa, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, and Vietnam Ambassador Lai Binh were present in the DOT event. Along with the country's dive destinations, the WTA also recognized Boracay as World's Leading Luxury Island Destination, Manila as World's Leading City Destination, and Amanpulo as World's Leading Dive Resort. The WTA awarding ceremony took place in the Atlantic islands of Madeira on Nov. 24, marking the climax of WTA's search for the world's leading destinations and travel organizations this year. In addition, the WTA acknowledged the DOT as the World's Leading Tourist Board and the City of Dreams Manila as the World's Leading Casino Resort. In 2023, the country also bagged the award along with the status as World's Leading Beach Destination and World's Leading City Destination for Manila. Dive is among the Philippines' top tourism products, which has been raking in billions of pesos in revenue for the tourism industry since last year. In 2023, Frasco said it generated P73 billion in revenue "showcasing its critical role in driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing the livelihood of countless Filipinos."