Dive sites luring more European tourists to RP

The number of European tourists in the Philippines jumped by 13.6 percent in the first half of the year as the Department of Tourism began promoting the country as the world’s best diving site.

Speaking to reporters, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said scuba diving is emerging to be the magnet for high-spending travelers who look for world-class diving facilities.

“Scuba diving is one product we are very competitive in,” he said.

“The Philippines for the first time this year is focusing on scuba diving. The biggest travel wholesalers in France and Germany began to carry the Philippines again.”

Durano said the DOT has shifted its marketing thrust in Europe to scuba diving to win back the attention of European travelers.

Recently, the DOT signed an agreement with Qatar Airways to include the Philippines in its two scuba diving packages, he added.


ABS CBN News, Philippines