Friday, December 13, 2024
The Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) Philippines, the promotional agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, hosted the PADI Diving Festival Fellowship Night on November 23, 2024, at the Philly Hotel NUSTAR in Cebu. The event was a celebration of the global diving community and reinforced the Philippines’ position as a premier diving destination. Focusing on the country’s rich marine biodiversity, the festival underscored the Philippines’ strategic position as a top choice for international divers.
The PADI Diving Festival, an annual event organized by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), serves as a platform for divers of all skill levels to come together, exchange knowledge and share their love for underwater exploration. Previous festivals have been held in leading diving hotspots such as Jeju Island, South Korea and Okinawa, Japan. The 2024 Festival in Cebu marked its third edition and attracted more than 200 diving enthusiasts from around the world, further boosting the visibility of the Philippines in the international diving community.
Aligned with TPB’s goal of promoting the Philippines as a top marine tourism destination, this year’s festival highlights famous dive sites such as Malapascua, Moalbol and Mactan. Cebu’s fascinating underwater ecosystems serve as the perfect setting for participants to discover the country’s unique marine treasures.
The event was supported by TPB’s Enhanced MICE Plus programme, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and supporting international events. The program provides comprehensive support to event organizers, offering services such as logistical coordination, promotional support, technical expertise and cultural performances. This initiative reflects TPB’s dedication to providing outstanding experiences and further positioning the Philippines as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE).
Reflecting on the success of the event, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles commented“The PADI Diving Festival showcases the Philippines’ unmatched natural beauty and ability to host world-class international events. With strategic collaborations with partners such as Fili Hotel NUSTAR and Cebu Pacific and the support of the TPB Enhanced MICE Plus program, we provide event planners with the resources to deliver exceptional and memorable experiences. This reinforces our position as both a premier dive destination and a global leader in tourism and MICE hosting.
The successful execution of the PADI Diving Festival highlights the growing prominence of the Philippines as a leading destination for global events. TPB invites international event planners to take advantage of the enhanced MICE Plus program, which offers unparalleled support for smooth event coordination and delivery. With its vibrant cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and strategic initiatives, the Philippines is poised to turn any event into an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.