The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the promotional agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, hosted the PADI Diving Festival Fellowship Night on November 23, 2024, at the Fili Hotel NUSTAR in Cebu. The event was a celebration of the global diving community and reinforced the Philippines’ standing as a premier diving destination. With a focus on the country’s rich marine biodiversity, the festival underscored the Philippines’ strategic position as a top choice for international divers.

The PADI Diving Festival, an annual event organized by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), serves as a platform for divers of all skill levels to come together, exchange knowledge, and share their love for underwater exploration. Previous festivals have been held in prominent diving hotspots like Jeju Island, South Korea, and Okinawa, Japan. The 2024 festival in Cebu marked its third edition and attracted over 200 diving enthusiasts from around the globe, further boosting the Philippines’ visibility within the international diving community.

Aligned with TPB’s goal to promote the Philippines as a top marine tourism destination, this year’s festival highlighted famous dive sites such as Malapascua, Moalboal, and Mactan. Cebu’s breathtaking underwater ecosystems served as the perfect setting for participants to discover the country’s unique marine treasures.

The event was backed by TPB’s Enhanced MICE Plus Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and supporting international events. This program provides extensive assistance to event organizers, offering services such as logistical coordination, promotional support, technical expertise, and cultural displays. The initiative highlights TPB’s dedication to delivering outstanding experiences and further positions the Philippines as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Reflecting on the event’s success, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles 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 execution of the PADI Diving Festival highlights the Philippines’ increasing prominence as a leading destination for global events. TPB invites international event organizers to leverage the Enhanced MICE Plus Program, which provides unparalleled support for smooth event coordination and delivery. With its vibrant cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and strategic initiatives, the Philippines is poised to turn any event into an exceptional and unforgettable experience.