Chengdu: The Philippines has secured over PHP122.8 million in tourism sales leads during its successful participation in the recent Diving, Resorts and Travel (DRT) Show in Chengdu, said the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) on Friday. "The Philippines continues to capture the interest of the Chinese dive market with the richness and diversity of our marine ecosystems," said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

According to Philippines News Agency, the leads generated in the event, held from July 17 to 19, demonstrate the Philippines' growing dive tourism presence in Western China. The event was DRT Show's first edition in Chengdu, providing participating tourism boards and stakeholders the opportunity to engage one of China's emerging outbound travel markets and promote their offerings.

The Philippine delegation to DRT, led by the TPB, brought together 19 co-exhibitors from Luzon and Visayas, including three dive tour operators, 12 dive resorts, three dive centers, and the Municipality of Puerto Galera. The country's 90-square-meter pavilion showcased its diverse underwater attractions, drawing interest from trade buyers, dive professionals, hobbyists, and other travel consumers.

The delegation later hosted the Philippine Dive Night, which gathered 53 Chinese dive companies and diving clubs, allowing local exhibitors to build new partnerships and discuss possible opportunities to promote the country as a preferred dive destination in the Chinese market. The Philippines also received the Marine Tourism Excellence Award, while the TPB secured the Honorary Tourism Board Award, recognizing its efforts to promote the nation as a premier diving destination.

The Philippines is home to some of the world's richest marine biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, historic wrecks, and renowned dive sites, which offer world-class underwater experiences for divers of all skill levels.