The theme of the third annual Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) — “Back into the Blue: One With the Sea” — has special significance this year. Hosted by the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT), PHIDEX is the official dive expo of the Philippines and is the country’s largest. The expo will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, Manila, from from August 19 to 21, 2022. The theme emphasizes the local diving community’s commitment to conservation, community and convergence, but more importantly, PHIDEX, which was completely virtual in 2020 and 2021, will be an in-person event for the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic. The Philippines diving community is ready to welcome the global diving community – including industry experts, stakeholders and dive enthusiasts.

“The entry of international travelers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, restoration of jobs, and the generation of much-needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises and communities,” said Tourism Development Undersecretary Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr. “We are optimistic that these economic benefits will also extend to dive destinations around the country. The country remains a leading dive destination, which tourists all over the world are eager to visit after a long wait of two years.”

“Scientists have declared the Philippines to be the ‘Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity,’” says Lynn Funkhouser, an award-winning underwater photographer and dive travel leader, who until the pandemic, has stayed in and dived the Philippines every year since 1975. “There are 7,641 islands, from 5 to 21 degrees latitude, which accounts for so much diversity. There are tropical and subtropical islands, which also contributes to the biodiversity. In the thousands of dives I have made so far, I have never had a dive that I haven't seen something new. It became my gold standard in 1975, so it’s nice the scientists have recognized what I suspected long ago. I hope to return very soon!”

PHIDEX will include dive travel and trade stakeholders, equipment manufacturers, and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs). It aims to gather distinguished VIPs, leaders and influencers from across the globe, such as renowned scientists, marine conservationists, and underwater photographers and videographers to meet, network, share stories and exchange ideas. It is the go-to-hub for brands and people who are passionate for B2B opportunities in the Philippines. The expo features an exciting array of live events, as well as presentations from more than 20 international speakers. The subjects range from ones that are focused on marine conservation to ones that explore the “ocean economy.”

“The DOT hopes to encourage divers to practice sustainability every time they dive to preserve the country’s seas,” Maquiling said. “Sustainable diving practices are a huge part of the reason why the country’s dive destinations continue to operate despite challenges brought by the pandemic.”

PHIDEX is the only dive show in the world that combines a dive conference and seminars, familiarization tours to top and emerging dive destinations, and a Dive Travel Exchange called TRAVEX. The familiarization tours include many of the Philippines best-known dive spots and newly emerging ones, such as Anilao, Bohol, Camiguin, Coron, Dumaguete, Malapascua, Moalboal, Puerto Galera, Southern Leyte and Ticao Island. TRAVEX is a B2B (business to business) meeting program that is designed for both local and international dive operators. In addition, exhibitors will showcase dive resorts and centers in different Philippine destinations, as well as top-rated dive gear and equipment.

At least 100 local and international dive buyers and media from the Philippines, U.S., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore are expected to attend the expo. And if you can’t attend in person, PHIDEX 2022 is being offered as a “hybrid” conference and can be accessed online as a virtual event.

Registration for both consumer and trade visitors, as well as exhibition booths, is open now at https://register.phidex.asia/. For more information regarding the PHIDEX activities, follow Dive Philippines on Facebook and Instagram or email the PHIDEX organizing committee at phidex@tourism.gov.ph.