Philippines Hosts Successful PADI Diving Festival

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, hosted the PADI Diving Festival Fellowship Night on November 23, 2024, at the Fili Hotel NUSTAR in Cebu.

The event celebrated global camaraderie in the diving community and reinforced the Philippines’ reputation as a world-class diving destination.

The festival showcased the country’s rich marine biodiversity and its strategic location as a premier hub for international divers.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) organizes the festival annually, bringing together divers of all levels to share knowledge and celebrate underwater exploration.

Previous festivals were held in prestigious diving destinations, including Jeju Island, South Korea, and Okinawa, Japan.

The 2024 festival in Cebu, marking its third iteration, welcomed over 200 participants from around the world and elevated the Philippines’ profile in the global diving community.

This year’s event aligned with TPB’s mission to position the Philippines as a leading marine tourism destination, highlighting world-renowned dive spots such as Malapascua, Moalboal, and Mactan.

Cebu’s pristine underwater ecosystems provided an ideal setting for participants to experience the Philippines’ unparalleled marine environment.

The TPB supported the event through its Enhanced MICE Plus Program, a strategic initiative designed to attract and assist international gatherings.

The program offers logistical coordination, promotional assistance, technical guidance, and cultural showcases, further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized the significance of the event.

“The PADI Diving Festival showcases the Philippines’ unmatched natural beauty and capability to host world-class international events,” she said.

“With partnerships like Fili Hotel NUSTAR and Cebu Pacific, supported by the TPB Enhanced MICE Plus Program, we offer event organizers the tools to deliver exceptional experiences. This strengthens our position as a premier dive destination and global tourism leader,” she added.

The success of the PADI Diving Festival highlights the Philippines’ growing stature as a prime location for international events.

The TPB encouraged global event organizers to explore the Enhanced MICE Plus Program for seamless planning and execution.

With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and robust support initiatives, the Philippines continues to position itself as a destination capable of transforming events into extraordinary experiences.