The Philippines generated over PHP80 million in sales leads during its stint at last month’s Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine in Paris. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), this year’s leads from the annual Paris dive show rose 43 percent compared to the PHP56 million sales leads secured last year.

During the travel trade show held at the Parc des Expositions from January 8th to 11th, the Philippine delegation showcased prominent dive sites in the nation such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Bohol, Anilao, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Ticao Island, and Southern Leyte.

Participating Philippine companies included Seadoors Liveaboard, Sea Explorers, Solitude Acacia Resort, Ticao Island Resort, Blue Lagoon Dive Resort, and several others. The event attracted various diving industry professionals including associations, boats, diving centers, insurance providers, manufacturers, distributors, media, tourism offices, training organizations, and travel agents.

Immersive Experience

The Philippine pavilion featured immersive underwater photography displays from 12 DOT-accredited dive establishments, highlighting the Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity, sustainability programs, and conservation initiatives. Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay Dive Sites was the Pavilion’s Featured Destination, emphasizing Eastern Visayas’ growing reputation as a conservation-oriented dive tourism hub.

The Philippine Embassy in Paris noted that there were approximately 350,000 scuba divers in France as of 2024, with about 10% traveling abroad for diving with tour operators.