Scuba tanks and gears are lined up poolside to prepare participants for the Open Water Dive Course
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines successfully concluded its latest run of the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program (DTIP) held from July 19 to 25 in Camiguin, Northern Mindanao. The program gathered 11 TPB-member tour operators and travel agents for an Open Water Dive Course aimed at expanding and strengthening the country’s positioning as a premier dive destination.
Camiguin’s selection strikes particular relevance following its recent inclusion in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go” list, the only Philippine destination to earn a spot this year.
DTIP is a familiarization platform for TPB Members that highlights emerging tourism circuits and lesser-known destinations. This edition focused on building dive tourism capabilities by equipping industry stakeholders with practical knowledge and tools to develop and market competitive dive packages.
Confined water skills training
Throughout the week, participants completed confined water skills and open water training covering essential dive skills, safety protocols, and sustainable marine tourism practices.
“We are pleased to offer this first dive course to our members as part of our continuing efforts to strengthen domestic tourism and expand opportunities in dive travel,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Through this initiative, we hope to encourage travelers to explore the country’s rich underwater experiences and discover more reasons to love the Philippines.”
A pair of clownfish glides through a sea anemone, offering a glimpse into Camiguin’s thriving underwater world
A green sea turtle rests in still, clear blue water
Apart from the dive program, participants explored Camiguin’s natural and cultural treasures, including the towering Tuasan Falls and Katibawasan Falls, the historic Sunken Cemetery, and the centuries-old Guio-ob Church Ruins, offering a well-rounded view of the island’s offerings above and below the surface.
Participants pose for a photo with the Sunken Cemetery in the background
To translate these experiences into business opportunities, DTIP also facilitated business-to-business engagements between TPB members and local dive operators to pave the way for strategic partnerships and the development of future travel packages.
Business-to-business session among TPB members and local dive tour operators
The next leg of the DTIP will take place in Iloilo this September, highlighting sustainable community-based tourism destinations.
For more information on the DTIP and the TPB Membership Program, visit https://membership.tpb.gov.ph/
Explore latest travel deals by visiting https://www.tourism.gov.ph/
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ABOUT TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, mandated to market and promote the country both domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. This is carried out through strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders, anchored on travel trade shows and business meetings. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.
Reference:
Maria Vanessa Abellon
Acting Head
Media Relations and Communications Division
vanessa_abellon@tpb.gov.ph
