By DIVE Staff
The Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) is returning for 2022, according to an announcement from the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). The country’s largest platform for the diving community will be held for the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic from 19 to 21 August at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, Manila.
PHIDEX’s third edition will aim to continue the narrative of conservation, community, and convergence within the diving community through its theme ‘Back into the Blue: One with the Sea’.
The expo will also showcase the Philippines’ readiness to welcome dive tourists from all over the globe, gathering local and international dive industry experts, dive tour operators, and partner dive businesses to share their ideas and experiences.
‘The entry of international travellers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, restoration of jobs, and the generation of much-needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises and communities’, said Tourism Development Undersecretary Woodrow C Maquiling, Jr. ‘We are optimistic that these economic benefits will also extend to dive destinations around the country. The country remains a leading dive destination, which tourists all over the world are eager to visit after a long wait of two years.’
‘The DOT hopes to encourage divers to practice sustainability every time they dive to preserve the country’s seas. Sustainable diving practices are a huge part of the reason why the country’s dive destinations continue to operate despite challenges brought by the pandemic,’ Maquiling added.
PHIDEX combines a Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a business-to-business (B2B) meeting program for local and international dive operators, dive conference and seminars, and familiarization tours to top and emerging Philippine dive destinations. Exhibition booths will showcase dive resorts and centres in different destinations, as well as top-rated dive gear and equipment.
Participants will also have a chance to learn about new dive destinations developed during the pandemic, product updates from key dive destinations, as well as up-to-date underwater photography gear showcases. International dive operators will also get to inspect and assess top and emerging dive destinations such as Anilao, Bohol, Camiguin, Coron, Dumaguete, Malapascua, Moalboal, Puerto Galera, Southern Leyte, and Ticao Island through familiarization tours.
At least 100 local and international dive buyers and media from the Philippines, US, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore, are expected to attend the expo. Meanwhile, activities such as Dive TRAVEX and Dive Conference will be accessible online for participants unable to attend due to international border restrictions.
Registration for consumer and trade visitors and exhibition booth reservations can be made at register.phidex.asia from 24 June, 2022
For more information regarding the PHIDEX activities, follow Dive Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or email the PHIDEX Organizing Committee at phidex@tourism.gov.ph.
