Bohol officials organize 'Dive Expo' to jumpstart tourism industry

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – Local and international scuba divers and enthusiasts are expected to convene the 1st Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023 aimed to jumpstart local tourism that "suffered immensely" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, which is organized by the Panglao Association of Dive Operators (PADO) and provincial government of Bohol,  is expected to draw hundreds of participants.

“The Panglao Association of Dive Operators (PADO), through this event, will explore and discover new dive sites that will impact tourism and the diving industry of the province. We hope to bring the province to greater heights of promotion and environmental awareness by identifying new market niches, developing new dive tour circuits, creating a dive tourism network, and welcoming back our regular tourists to explore more of the underwater wonders of Bohol," said Ivy Bulaybulay-Kung, PADO president.

She said the diving industry suffered immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thus, the festival endeavors to jumpstart scuba diving operations in the province.

Bohol, like other other provinces, had strictly imposed health protocols and travel restrictions as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the disease. The province has since eased travel requirements.

She added that the event will introduce the Advance Reservation System (ARS), which will monitor dive site capacity and payment of environmental users fee.

Bohol, known as "God's Little Paradise", has around 20 dive sites and attracts a million tourists annually.

The province consists of more than 75  islands, each having its own distinct identity.

One of the famous diving spots is the Danajon Double Barrier Reef that is considered as one of the six double barrier reefs in the world.

Gov. Aris Aumentado said the provincial government supports the dive expo as it will highlight the diving industry of Bohol, which is considered the bedrock of local tourism.

"This deserves our support since this festival is promoting the island’s rich, unique, diverse and pristine dive sites. This is in line with our vision in developing Bohol's sustainable and responsible tourism. Our visitors will enjoy world class diving destinations," Aumentado said.

The festival's venue will be at the old Tagbilaran Airport and will feature exhibits and underwater photo contest. This event will also feature a series of diving activities in participating towns such as Tagbilaran City, Panglao Island, Mabini, Anda, Guindulman, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Lila, Valencia, Talibon and Ubay town.

Aside from the centuries-old churches, beaches, waterfalls, diving is another compelling reason to come to Bohol province. -- BAP, GMA Integrated News