PHIDEX 2021 “Our Sea, Our Story” now virtually opens from March 19 to 21

by UW360

Commenced its second edition digitally to raise awareness on the Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity and fostering growth and development of the dive tourism industry while sustaining as the premier dive destination in the world!

Philippine International Dive Expo [PHIDEX] 2021, the largest dive platform in the country, aims to gather and mobilize industry experts, stakeholders and divers in one communal space, to foster the collaboration of innovative ideas, sustainable solutions and economic opportunities. With the gradual activation of dive travel and tourism in various parts of the country and the world, PHIDEX is even more crucial for the recovery of the dive industry.

“Widely recognized as the ‘Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity’ it is fitting that we lead the region in mounting an event that reflects the world-class diving that the Philippines are promoting.” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

 

“The Philippine Department of Tourism recognizes that diving is a major tourism product and hopes to further grow the Philippine dive industry through an event that advocates for the sustainability of our marine environment.”

Distinct from other dive shows, the event will feature a Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) or B2B program solely for the dive market, post familiarization trips to complement the trade expo. Through these event components, we underscore the Philippines’ competitive advantage in the region, both as a dive destination and as a dive travel business hub, as our counterpart operators and media get to see and experience first-hand our dive products and services, to sell and promote these more effectively.

Phidex 2021 will also feature renowned global experts who will share their experiences and knowledge on a variety of subjects and interests involving dive tourism recovery, industry sustainability, underwater photography, marine conversation, and more. The program and line up of activities over the next three days will cover topics such as conservation through adventure and wildlife photography, science-based conservation, exploration of our heritage wrecks and underwater caves, freediving and marine conservation, dive training, agency and product updates from our global dive partners, and work opportunities for dive professionals, and more.

There will also be a virtual marketplace that enables consumers and buyers to make sustainable and smart choices when purchasing deals for diving experiences and equipment and the opportunity to go beyond borders the international dive market participation from 16 countries  – Australia, China, France, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, and the USA. While representing the Philippines’s businesses and operators, do lookout for the top and emerging destinations, such as Anilao in Batangas; Panglao, Balicasag and Cabilao in Bohol; Moalboal and Malapascua in Cebu, Coron and Tubbataha in Palawan, Dauin in Negros Oriental; Sipalay in Negros Occidental; Camiguin and Misamis Oriental; Davao; Donsol in Sorsogon; and Ticao Island in Masbate.

“Tourism will only be sustainable when we commit to protecting our marine resources. We see divers as our allies in this advocacy, as the diving community is often at the forefront of environmental protection initiatives. Let us continue to work together toward the vision of developing and promoting the Philippines as a premier diving destination.” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

 

“We are all here because of the love we share for the ocean and marine life. We hope to build a fruitful relationship with all of you as we navigate industry recovery in the next normal, for a stronger and more competitive Philippine dive tourism industry.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic still a global issue that affects everyone, there are health and safety protocols in place to ensure the safe reopening of destinations, with opportunities to pivot towards sustainable solutions. Once areas have little to no active cases of COVID-19, the borders will open up once the health and safety protocols tailored to each destination are met.

Watch the full PHIDEX 2021 press conference here!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Eht2eX9Ho[/embedyt]

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Divers and enthusiasts can now register for PHIDEX 2021 for free at https://phidex.asia/ until March 21.

For more information and updates on the Philippine International Dive Expo, like PHIDEX on Facebook at facebook.com/DOTdivephilippines, follow @dotdivephilippines on Instagram, or visit www.phidex.asia.