The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to host the largest platform for the diving community, Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), from Feb. 23 to 25, 2024 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

In a statement on Monday, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the PHIDEX is part of the agency’s thrust to strengthen the country’s diving portfolio and the commitment of diving stakeholders and enthusiasts to leveraging the country’s natural assets.

“Being one of the 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, the Philippines boasts a multitude of marine species from across our regions of over 7,641 islands. I encourage our fellow Filipinos and foreign friends to come and visit us, and see for yourselves the beauty in our waters, finding more reasons to love the Philippines through the PHIDEX,” she said.

In 2023, the World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as the World’s Leading Dive Destination.

The country also won as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, its fifth straight win, a testament to the collective efforts to preserve and further promote the dive industry together with the stakeholders from the local government, the private sector, and various dive communities.

The fourth edition of PHIDEX with the themed “Heart of Asia’s Diving: Collaboration for the Ocean Community” will specifically showcase the Philippines’ competitive edge as a diving destination for adventurers and enthusiasts.

The DOT has partnered with Underwater 360 for the exhibition component of PHIDEX 2024. Underwater 360 is the organizer of the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), the longest-running and largest dive expo in Asia.

Over 100 exhibitors, representing dive resorts, dive shops, training agencies, insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, marine conservation associations, and National Tourism Organizations are expected to join the expo. (PNA)