The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Tourism, proudly hosted the PADI Diving Festival Fellowship Night recently at the Fili Hotel NUSTAR in Cebu.
This landmark event celebrated the global diving community and further solidified the Philippines’ reputation as a world-class diving destination. The festival highlighted the country’s vibrant marine biodiversity and strategic location as a premier hub for international divers.
Organized annually by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the PADI Diving Festival serves as a gathering for divers of all levels to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate their passion for underwater exploration. Past festivals have been hosted in renowned diving destinations, such as Jeju Island in South Korea and Okinawa, Japan.
The 2024 festival in Cebu marked its third iteration, attracting over 200 participants from around the world, further elevating the Philippines’ profile in the global diving community.
This year’s festival aligned perfectly with TPB’s mission to position the Philippines as a leading marine tourism destination, with world-famous dive sites like Malapascua, Moalboal, and Mactan. Cebu provided the ideal backdrop for participants to explore the country’s unparalleled underwater ecosystems.
The event was supported by TPB’s Enhanced MICE Plus Program, an initiative designed to attract and assist international events. This TPB program offers comprehensive support to event organizers, including logistical coordination, promotional assistance, technical guidance, and cultural showcases. It underscores TPB’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences while reinforcing the Philippines as a top destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Reflecting on the event’s success, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita MontemayorNograles remarked, “The PADI Diving Festival showcases the Philippines’ unmatched natural beauty and capability to host world-class international events. With strategic collaborations with partners like Fili Hotel NUSTAR and Cebu Pacific and the support of the TPB Enhanced MICE Plus Program, we provide event organizers with the resources to deliver exceptional and memorable experiences. This strengthens our position as both a premier dive destination and a global leader in tourism and MICE hosting.”
The successful hosting of the PADI Diving Festival is a testament to the Philippines’ growing stature as a prime destination for international events. TPB encourages global event organizers to take advantage of the Enhanced MICE Plus Program, which offers unmatched support for seamless event planning and execution. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and strategic initiatives, the Philippines is ready to transform any event into an extraordinary and memorable experience.
