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MANILA, Philippines ? The Philippines took center stage as "Destination of the Year" during the recent 2008 10th Salon de la Plongee, an international diving trade show in Paris, France, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.
Quoting a dispatch from Philippine Ambassador to France Jose Abeto Zaide, the DFA said that the Philippines, taking its first plunge at Salon de la Plongee sous Marine (SCUBA Exhibition) held at the Exhibition Park in Porte de Versailles, was named the event's Destination of the Year.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano led a Philippine delegation of 10 exhibitors.
Zaide said the Philippine exhibit was a crowd drawer with the world-renowned Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company gracing the event.
The Philippine booth near the main entrance accommodated about 10 companies showcasing their respective dive resorts around the country.
Zaide said that inquiries exceeded expectations as brochures ran out.
About 402 exhibitors from 40 countries participated in the 10th Salon de la Plongee sous Marine, which drew 39,342 visitors and 232 journalists to cover the event.
Exhibitors included tourism agencies as well as diving equipment manufacturers.
Zaide said Durano assured the participants that travel to the country's marine parks and sports attractions was safe.
"We are taking a more assertive role in pushing our beaches and aqua sports attractions to the European traveler. Private businesses that were with us in previous marketing missions have gained significant benefits and 2008 will open more opportunities," Durano said.
Known for its dense marine biodiversity, the Philippine waters offer rewarding diving experiences. Top dive sites in the country include the Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
