Combining tourism and marine life conservation

The Philippines has some of the best dive sites and beaches in the world, without a doubt.

We have 192 reef dives, 146 ocean dives, and 91 wall dives for scuba divers to choose from, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, a global body that certifies scuba divers, divemasters, and instructors.

The Philippines is known for its natural underwater resources, making it a paradise for divers. Thus, there is the potential for our beaches and coastal habitats, including marine protected areas, on this side of the Pacific Ocean to become a hub for tourism and ecology.

But the country is not yet the top destination for sun-deprived international tourists. The Department of Tourism (DOT) hopes to attract 7.7 million international tourists this year, which is a significant number when compared to the meager 4.8 million target arrivals in 2023. In contrast, Spain attracted 85.1 million foreign tourists last year. Last week, the Inquirer reported that our diving tourism industry generated a revenue of P73 billion last year, surpassing the P37 billion it generated in 2022.

Because of our rich and diverse marine life, divers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan have long been frequenting our dive sites, which include Mabini in Batangas, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Coron in Palawan, and Cebu province’s Moalboal, Pescador, and Malapascua islands.

As winter encircles Europe, Canada, and the United States, hordes of divers and their families make their way to Batangas, Mindoro, the Visayas islands, and Palawan in a silent pilgrimage that pays homage to God-endowed underwater life.

Dive Spots. Both Mabini (Barangay Anilao) and Puerto Galera are jump-off points for diving trips in the Verde Island Passage, the world’s center of shore-fish biodiversity. Considered the “last frontier” of Philippine waters, Tubbataha Reefs (long reefs) in Palawan

... Read more