The Philippines made waves at the 2026 Paris Dive Show, netting over P80 million in dive travel leads—a striking 43 percent jump from last year’s P56 million. This surge cements the archipelago’s status as a top-tier global dive destination, especially among eco-conscious European travelers.
The four-day exhibition at Paris’ Parc des Expositions highlighted world-class dive sites including Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Bohol, Anilao, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Ticao Island, and Southern Leyte. Interest from dive operators, travel buyers, and marine tourism stakeholders reflected both the Philippines’ diverse underwater offerings and its competitive positioning in the premium dive tourism market.
A 90-square-meter Philippine Pavilion provided an immersive experience, featuring underwater photography from 12 Department of Tourism-accredited dive operators. Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay emerged as the pavilion’s spotlight destination, marketed as an emerging hub for biodiversity-driven and sustainable diving. The country’s emphasis on conservation and eco-tourism resonated strongly with European audiences, increasingly seeking meaningful travel experiences.
French marine photographer Laurent Ballesta’s rare deep-sea images from Tubbataha added a scientific and environmental credibility layer, elevating the pavilion’s appeal and sparking concrete bookings and partnership discussions. His presentations highlighted how conservation and tourism can coexist—a message that aligns with Europe’s growing eco-tourism market.
This strong performance reinforces the Philippines’ strategic presence in Europe. With its seventh consecutive World’s Leading Dive Destination title in 2025, the country continues to translate brand recognition into tangible business outcomes.
The combination of high-quality dive sites, sustainability messaging, and targeted market engagement positions the Philippines to capture more high-value European travelers, strengthening both revenue streams and global brand equity.
The Paris Dive Show success demonstrates that the Philippines isn’t just a scenic destination—it’s a strategic player in shaping the future of sustainable, premium dive tourism worldwide.
