The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines showcased the country’s diverse and world-renowned dive tourism offerings during the Dive Philippines B2B Networking Session at MIDE 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ position as one of the world’s leading destinations for diving and marine adventures.
Home to 7,641 islands and located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is recognised for its exceptional marine biodiversity and thriving underwater ecosystems. Its rich waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species, sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and countless other marine wonders, making it a sought-after destination for divers from around the globe.
The country has consistently received international recognition, having been named Asia’s and the World’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards for several consecutive years. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of tourism stakeholders, local communities, and public and private sector partners in promoting sustainable and responsible dive tourism.
During the presentation, TPB Philippines highlighted a range of iconic dive destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These included Batangas and Puerto Galera, renowned for macro photography and colourful marine life; Cebu and Moalboal, famous for vibrant coral reefs and the spectacular sardine run; Malapascua Island, known globally for encounters with thresher sharks; and Dauin, a favourite among muck-diving enthusiasts seeking rare marine species.
The presentation also featured Apo Island, celebrated for its pristine coral reefs and turtle sanctuary, as well as Coron, one of the world’s premier wreck-diving destinations where divers can explore historic Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. Another highlight was the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a pristine marine sanctuary renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and spectacular underwater landscapes.
To further strengthen tourism and business opportunities between Malaysia and the Philippines, TPB Philippines brought a delegation of ten Philippine tourism stakeholders to participate in the Dive Philippines Business-to-Business Networking Sessions. The delegation comprised dive tour operators, dive resorts and hyperbaric chamber service providers, offering attendees opportunities to explore partnerships and develop new dive travel experiences.
The session underscored the Philippines’ commitment to promoting sustainable marine tourism while fostering greater regional collaboration within Southeast Asia’s growing dive tourism sector.