The Philippines solidified anew its position as a premier global dive destination, concluding a successful participation in the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 19 to 22.
The Philippine delegation made a remarkable impact, securing P595.26 million business leads through 260 trade meetings conducted during the four-day event.
Represented by 16 Philippine-based dive companies under the auspices of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the country showcased its world-renowned marine biodiversity and unique diving experiences, drawing global attention from industry leaders, divers, and travel professionals.
“Our presence at DEMA 2024 reflects our unwavering commitment to positioning the Philippines as the top choice for divers around the world. By highlighting our rich marine ecosystems and world-class dive destinations, we aim to strengthen existing partnerships and create new opportunities for our dive industry to thrive,” Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the TPB Philippines, emphasized.
The delegation featured 16 notable dive companies, namely: Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Atlantis Infiniti, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort, Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort, Discovery Fleet Philippines, El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Kokays Maldito Dive Resort, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Magic Resorts Philippines, M.Y. Resolute, Salaya Beach Houses, Scandi Divers Resort, and Sea Explorers Philippines.
These companies represent a diverse and thriving dive industry in the Philippines, from luxurious resorts to specialized liveaboard operators, thereby strengthening the country's appeal to dive tourists from around the globe.
The Philippines’ participation in DEMA 2024 reaffirms its reputation as a world-class dive destination. The country was named Best Dive Destination in the Asia Pacific at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers' Choice Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in the same category. The Philippines has also been honored with titles such as World’s Leading Dive Destination (2023) and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination (2024) by the prestigious World Travel Awards.
“These recognitions are testaments to the Philippines’ thriving dive tourism industry and our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism. Our active engagement in global events, like DEMA 2024, propels us toward even greater success, while also ensuring that the economic benefits are felt by local communities, and that our marine ecosystems are preserved for future generations,” Nograles said.
The Philippines is home to over 10,000 square miles of coral reefs, more than 500 types of corals, and 3,212 species of marine life, positioning it as one of the most biodiverse underwater ecosystems in the world. As part of the Coral Triangle, the country offers unique and accessible diving experiences for divers of all skill levels.
The Philippines’ efforts to promote dive tourism extend well beyond the DEMA Show. In early November, the country successfully hosted the PADI Festival in Cebu, attracting diving enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world.
Looking ahead, the Philippines is set to participate in the Diving and Resort Travel (DRT) Show in Hong Kong from December 13 to 15, 2024, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to showcasing its premier dive destinations and forging meaningful connections within the international diving community.
