Philippines wins Best Dive Destination Award, generates PHP 150 million in sales leads at the DRT Show Shanghai 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Philippines' successful showcase of its award-winning dive destinations garnered strong interest from Chinese divers, outbound tour operators, and dive industry stakeholders during the  Diving, Resort, and Travel (DRT) Show Shanghai 2026, held from March 6 to 8, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

Recognized for its continued excellence in marine tourism, the Philippines was awarded the Best Dive Destination Award, alongside the Honorary Tourism Board Award presented to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines for its sustained efforts in promoting the Philippines as a premier dive destination in the global market. The country also generated over PHP 150 million in sales leads, reflecting market confidence in the Philippines’ diverse dive offerings and underwater attractions.

Organized by TPB in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) – Shanghai Office, the Philippine delegation featured 18 co-exhibitors, representing dive resorts, dive tour operators, dive shops, local government units (LGUs), DOT regional offices, and tourism industry associations. The 90-square-meter booth served as a consolidated display of the country’s premier dive destinations, which drew steady foot traffic and strong engagement among both dive enthusiasts and professionals.

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Visitors flocking to the Philippines booth at the DRT Shanghai Show 2026

“We were encouraged by the strong interest in the Philippines’ marine destinations and the quality of business discussions conducted during the DRT Show Shanghai,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “The positive response from both trade partners and dive enthusiasts reflects growing confidence in the Philippines as an exceptional dive tourism destination. It truly highlights the beauty and diversity of our underwater landscapes and affirms the Philippines’ appeal among the global diving community.” 

A key highlight of the event was Dive Networking Night, where Philippine exhibitors and international buyers held round-table discussions and pursued concrete partnership opportunities in dive tourism. 

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General in Shanghai, Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer, painted a vivid picture of the Philippines’ rich underwater biodiversity and invited global partners to make the country the dive destination of choice.

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PCG Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer delivering her message during the Dive Networking Night,  highlighting the true beauty of the Philippine diving scene

“What makes the Philippines truly exceptional is variety,” said Consul General Fischer. “Within one country, your clients can experience vibrant coral gardens, drift dives, shark encounters, manta rays, wreck diving, and macro ecosystems—often in a single trip. Few destinations can offer that range with such accessibility.”

Complementing the exhibition were technical experts and seasoned diving practitioners, who held a series of high-level seminars. Drawing on real-world experiences and case studies, speakers unpacked a wide range of topics, from technical diving systems and underwater imaging techniques to diving equipment applications, global dive travel planning, and emerging industry developments. 

Representing the Philippines' dive tourism offerings in the seminars were Daniel Stracey, who presented “Philippines’ No. 1 Dive Destination,” and Woodrow Maquiling Jr., who delivered the session “Apo Island and Beyond.” Their presentations highlighted established and emerging dive sites across the country with a diverse portfolio of dive experiences suited for both recreational and technical divers.

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The PH delegation at the DRT Shanghai Show 2026.

Following its multi-award recognitions in previous DRT shows, the Philippines’ participation in Shanghai further reinforced its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing dive markets. The positive response from Chinese divers and trade representatives signals greater momentum for the country’s dive tourism sector. It supports broader national efforts to showcase the quality and diversity of Philippine dive attractions. 

With its extensive coastline, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse underwater ecosystems, the Philippines remains one of the most sought-after dive destinations in Asia and beyond. The country’s successful engagement at DRT Show Shanghai 2026 stands as a testament to TPB’s commitment to expanding meaningful tourism partnerships and positioning the country as a top destination for diving and marine tourism.

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