The Philippines was recognized as the best dive destination in Asia during the biggest diving expo in Malaysia.
The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBP), an agency under the Department of Tourism (DOT), announced this on March 1, 2023, also highlighting notable diving spots in the country like the island of Cebu.
TPBP welcomed travelers and travel enthusiasts to experience scuba diving in the best diving spots in the country, which aside from Cebu, consists of Batangas, Negros Oriental, and Palawan.
The Philippines also bested other world-famous diving spots, such as the Maldives, Japan, Indonesia, and the host country Malaysia.
CEBU TOURISM
According to an article published on The Freeman, Cebu recorded over 2.7 million tourists in 2022, 540,000 of them being foreigners, as recorded by the DOT.
Cebu City ranked first with a total of 1,063,503 tourist arrivals among all LGUs on the island. Most come domestically, while around 200,000 are foreign nationals.
Lapu-Lapu City garnered half of Cebu City’s figures with over 580,000 visitors, while Mandaue recorded over 360,000.
In Cebu Province, the town of Santa Fe in Bantayan Island topped all LGUs under the provincial government with around 130,000 tourists, 13,561 coming from outside the Philippines.
WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The DOT hopes that the Philippines will claim Asia’s leading dive and beach destination award as well during the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA).
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that Cebu, along with Intramuros, had been nominated for some of the significant accolades in the 30th WTAs Asia category.
The Philippines is once again in the running for the best dive and beach destination in Asia after winning the same award last year in September in Vietnam.
Frasco said that the tourism department will continue to develop the Philippines as a destination for travelers by improving the tourist experience and strengthening its tourism industry.
Voting for the WTA started in February this year and will end on the 23rd of July. Voters include travel professionals, media, and tourism consumers.
