TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 7
competitive diving destination, as she touted the country's
marine bio-diversity, acknowledged by experts as among
the richest in the world.
"We have it all – from the rarest and smallest critters to
the largest pelagic fish, colorful reefs, and many others. So
whether you’re looking for a relaxing fun dive, honing
your photography skills, doing technical or cave dives, or
training to free dive, we invite you to take on our dive sites,"
said Puyat.
At least 26 countries participated as represented by 45
local exhibitors and sellers, 58 international buyers, and
12 international media, featuring the latest technology in
underwater photography, snorkeling and diving gears, and
business-to-business (B2B) opportunities for the sellers,
which according to organizers, generated about 1,638
business leads.
"We are thankful that the DRT Show Philippines 2018
has served as an effective platform for DTM for the
convergence of international tourism stakeholders, product
updates, B2B meetings between local dive tour operators,
foreign buyers and dive tour operators, and education," said
Puyat.
"Through this initiative, the Department aims to sustain the
competitiveness of our dive tourism products through the
continued introduction and development of other segments in
our product portfolio such as free diving and technical diving,
taking into consideration the needs of established and new
markets," she added.
Meanwhile, Puyat told reporters the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will have to
ascertain if diving will be permitted with the "soft reopening"
of Boracay Island this coming October 26.
"We will have to see if diving can be included when we
reopen Boracay," said Puyat.
In line with the Boracay Interagency Task Force's decision to
reopen Boracay in several phases, water recreational activities
such as use of jet skis will be allowed at a designated time after
the October 26 soft opening. The proposed schedule to permit
diving activities, however, will still be discussed during the task
force meeting on September 28. www.tourism.gov.ph
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