Philippines, named Asia's leading dive destination, to boost industry

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the country wants to build on the recognition by strengthening diving as one of its key tourism products, the Philippines Information Agency reported.

The priorities include improving transport and other services supporting trips to dive destinations and greater promotion of marine attractions.

The plans were outlined in a Department of Tourism statement on Oct. 8, following the awards ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives.

For travelers, the aim is to make arranging and taking a dive holiday more convenient, with better connections between destinations and more efficient services once they arrive.

An aerial view of boats and kayaks beside a forested coastline in El Nido, Palawan, Phillipines. Photo by Unsplash

The department also intends to invest in training tourism workers at dive and beach destinations while strengthening safety and security for visitors.

"Our goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer, more accessible, and easier for travelers to experience," Angara-Mathay said.

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand were also nominated for this year's Asia's Leading Dive Destination title, according to the awards' official website.

Instituted in 1993, the World Travel Awards organizes an annual programme recognizing destinations and businesses across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

It presents awards at country, regional and global levels, with regional winners advancing to compete in the world categories.