Europeans rediscover RP as dive destination

European travelers who have grown tired of the mass-based, traditional tourist destinations in Asia and elsewhere, are making a comeback to the Philippines, setting their sights on its world-class dive destinations.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano revealed during the recent Philippine Travel Exchange 2007 (PHITEX) held in Cebu City, that scuba diving, the core of the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) focused marketing campaign in Europe, is paving the way for the return of the Europeans after an absence of over seven years.

"We decided to focus on one product - scuba diving, and revived alliances with airlines like Qatar Airways. Now, the biggest travel wholesalers in Germany and France have started carrying the Philippines again," said Durano, adding that the country now stands an equal chance with Maldives in attracting divers. Maldives is among the most popular dive destinations in Asia.

Moreover, Jose Clemente III, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association said the country has now become more competitive and appealing than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, primarily because it still remains unexplored, specially to many jaded tourists who have been to traditional places like Thailand and Bali several times.

Manila Bulletin, Philippines