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The London International Dive Show (LIDS) held last 10–11 March 2007 provided another boost to the Philippines’ growing image as a world-class dive paradise by attracting crowds to the exhibit at the event.

This is the second year that the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) has been participating in the event after over six years of absence. The Philippines has intensified its bid to be a premier dive destination in the world by introducing more quality dive packages from UK-based tour operators Dive Worldwide, Snooba Travel and Dive Tours. Their glossy flyers, which form part of the latest marketing initiatives spearheaded by the PDOT, featured concession rates for British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) members and special incentive dive offers only for the event.

The exhibit was participated in by leading Philippine-based private operators representing renowned dive specialists in the country, such as Calypso Asia, Atlantis Dive Resorts-Puerto Galera & Dumaguete, Marco Vincent and The Ananyana Beach Resort and Spa, all selling their respective and unique dive packages. In addition, Tony Backhurst Scuba showcased a raffle draw and competition on behalf of Kasai Village Beach Resort. The prize at stake was £2,500 worth of a Philippine diving holiday.

It was an exciting comeback for Philippine tourism at the dive event. The PDOT booth, all of 20 square meters, was decorated with colorful underwater photographic images of thresher sharks in Malapascua, whale sharks (butanding) in Donsol, coral reefs in Puerto Galera and many more. The stand showed video footages including the recent trip to Cebu of Great Ocean Adventures presenter Monty Halls. Palm plants and trees gave the booth a tropical touch with a tower structure made of native bamboo designed to create a stronger presence and visibility that attracted dive enthusiasts to the stand. The booth was constructed by a professional contractor from Germany, MB Capital Services.

According to Tourism Attaché Domingo Ramon C. Enerio, “the dive market is booming and the demand for this sports and underwater activity is increasing. Our hard work is finally reaping tremendous results, as shown by the huge number of inquiries we got at the show. Groups of eight and twenty enthusiasts will soon be leaving for the Philippines to experience our marine biodiversity and aquatic adventures.”

He added that “the Philippines has an amazing variety of aquatic species, and some of the best dive spots in the world for viewing the wonders of the seas are found in the waters of the Philippines. With such incomparable marine wealth, the Philippines will undoubtedly place prominently in the tourist map as the ultimate and ideal dive destination.”