The Philippines secured P595.26 million in business leads in its participation to the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024 in Las Vegas.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in a statement said the Philippine delegation consisting of representatives from 16 dive companies had 260 trade meetings at the DEMA held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 19 to 22.
These companies represent a diverse dive industry in the Philippines, from luxurious resorts to specialized liveaboard operators.
The country was named Best Dive Destination in the Asia Pacific at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, marking its third consecutive win in the same category.
The Philippines has also been honored with titles such as World’s Leading Dive Destination (2023) and Asia’s Leading Dive Destination (2024) by the prestigious World Travel Awards.
The Philippines is set to participate in the Diving and Resort Travel Show in Hong Kong from December 13 to 15.
Adding to its laurels, Manila was named World’s Leading City Destination for the second time since 2023, while Boracay was honored as World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, a testament to its pristine beaches and high-end offerings.
Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Secretary, expressed her gratitude for the global recognition, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made these wins possible:
“We are filled with immense pride and gratitude as the Philippines continues to capture the hearts of travelers worldwide, as reflected in these prestigious accolades at the 2024 World Travel Awards. These recognitions reaffirm the Department of Tourism’s steadfast commitment to carry out initiatives with sustainability and inclusivity in mind—efforts that have been made possible through the unwavering support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his vision to establish the Philippines as a leading tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Frasco said.
The DOT also bagged the title of World’s Leading Tourist Board for the very first time, reflecting its successful initiatives in promoting the Philippines as a premier destination.
The Philippines’ latest achievements add to the accolades it garnered at the WTA’s Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, hosted by the Philippines in September 2024.
During said regional event, the Philippines swept eight regional awards, starting with Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination. Iconic landmarks and destinations also brought home awards, with Intramuros, the historic Walled City, named as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay receiving the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu honored as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for its romantic charm and world-class venues.
In addition, Secretary Frasco received a special award for Transformational Leadership in Tourism. The Philippines also bagged the Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award for Love the Philippines campaign.
“These awards are a testament to the powerful synergy between the public and private sectors, driven by the aspirations set forth by our President for the country’s tourism industry, as well as the unwavering support of Filipinos across the globe. We share this remarkable achievement with our dedicated stakeholders and every Filipino who continues to champion our country as a premier global destination. Together, let us continue to invite the world to experience all that there is to love about the Philippines,” Frasco added.
