DOT's Diving and Resort Travel Show: More fun under the sea

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is going to the "deep end" — but in a good way —through its Diving and Resort Travel (DRT) Show.

The travel show, being held at the SM Megatrade Hall, Megamall, Mandaluyong City from September 9 to 11, highlights the abundance of marine life in the Philippines, which contributes to making it a global diving hot spot.

"The true beauty of the Philippines is not what we see on top, but underneath those clear blue waters of our ocean," Undersecretary of Tourism Advocacy and Public Affairs Kat De Castro told the press during the opening on Friday.

"The Philippines now is becoming an emerging top diving destination, and I am so happy for that because I am a diver myself."

She added, "The rich and vibrant seas are now becoming a gem to divers, not only in the Philippines but in the world."

The DOT is keen on promoting the Philippine seas and on the DRT show's second year, they're placing additional focus on what the country has to offer to diving enthusiasts.

OIC Marketing Development Group for DOT Verna Buensuceso echoed De Castro's sentiments, adding that their department hopes to heighten global awareness about the Philippines and position the country as a place with the richest marine biodiversity in the world.

The Philippines has 450 coral species and 2,500 fish species.

In comparison, the Australia's Great Barrier Reef is home to 350 coral species and 1,500 fish species.

This diversity offers the country options for development as a hub for diving and diving business, which the DRT show hopes to nurture.

The DOT is working on promoting the Philippines as a perfect underwater classroom for dive beginners and also as a premiere underwater photography destination.

"Recognizing that one of our core products in tourism is diving, the Department of Tourism is continuously developing this dive niche market," Buensuceso said, but clarified that they have not left out preservation in their campaign.

"We have non governmental organizations and marine conservation organizations, because we know that for diving to continue to flourish in the country, we also need to protect the very resources that we are promoting."

The second day of the DRT show opens with "Diving With a Purpose", a marine conservation seminar by Reggie Reyes.

Also in the lineup is "California Dreaming", a presentation by award-winning documentary filmmaker Howard and Michelle Hall, and several talks from renowned underwater photographers Beth Watson, Scott Gutsy Tuason, Alex Tyrell, Tim Ho, and more.

Mike Bartick, meanwhile, will be presenting the "Anilao Nudibranch World Record" as a testament to the richness of the country's seas.

The admission fee for the DRT show is P200.

For the complete lineup of shows and other information, visit philippinediveexpo.com. — VVP, GMA News