Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and ambassadors and representatives from other countries pose for a group photo during the launching of the first-ever Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas, on November 28, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato/INQUIRER.net)
ANILAO, Mabini, Batangas — As the Philippines continues to solidify its reputation as the ultimate diving destination in the world, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at elevating the diving experience in the country — the Philippine Dive Experience.
During her speech at the launch of the Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas, on Thursday, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted that dive tourism has long been one of the country’s strongest offerings to the world.
To sustain this strength, Frasco said DOT will prioritize incorporating sustainability and diversity into the diving experience — an approach focusing on marine resource conservation and educating tourists more about the country’s culture.
“The Philippines hosts or holds the distinct privilege of being one of only 18 megabiodiverse 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 pose the risk not only of 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. I’m a diver myself, and I come from the province of Cebu, which is also nearly or a little bit older than the province of Batangas. And there, diving is a way of life, as I’m sure it is here in Batangas,” she continued.
Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines Tull Traisorat and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco happily shake hands after the launching of the first-ever Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas, on November 28, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato/INQUIRER.net)
Ambassadors and representatives from neighboring countries attended the event, and some of them, along with other local and foreign guests, joined Frasco in a brief dive to experience the beauty of Batangas’ marine biodiversity.
Foreign relations as an opportunity to boost tourism
Meanwhile, in an ambush interview, Frasco emphasized the impact of having good relations with other countries in bolstering the Philippines’ diving tourism.
“Tourism is a huge source of opportunities to unite and to foster cultural exchange. True, tourism is a very competitive industry, but at the same time, it also provides vast opportunities for collaboration, and this is exactly what we are forging here with the nations that have joined us,” she said.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, along with ambassadors and representatives from other countries, during the ceremonial banging of oxygen tanks in Anilao, Batangas, on November 28, 2024. It symbolizes the commitment of the Philippines to preserve its marine biodiversity. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato/INQUIRER.net)
“So we expect the opportunities for our destinations to further expand, especially with the presence of the members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, who will inevitably, of course, bring home the good news that Philippine tourism continues to thrive,” Frasco added.
Undisputed world’s top dive destination
Frasco also announced that the Philippines was hailed for the sixth consecutive year as the “World’s Leading Dive Destination” by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA).
READ: PH is still the ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ for 2024 – WTA
The Philippines outshined the Maldives, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, among others.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and local and foreign guests undergo a quick briefing prior to their dive at Anilao, Batangas, on November 28, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato/INQUIRER.net)
Other awards bestowed to the Philippines this year were Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, the World’s Leading City Destination, and Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu).
WTA was established in 1993 by an organization based in London. It acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates the success of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.