Dive spots keep RP
tourism on global map
BY GENIVI FACTAO
The country is number one in marine biodiversity, with 2,500 species and being part of the Coral Triangle that makes diving a bright spot for the tourism industry.
Dennis Arroyo, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director, said divers and nature enthusiasts are in awe that the Philippines is on top of the global diving destination.
"Do you know that the Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle which covers more than one third of the world’s coral reefs and holds almost 75 percent of all known coral species," Arroyo said at the recent Cargo Economic Conference where he discussed Philippine economic prospects at the Manila Diamond Hotel.
"We have 2,500 species of fish in the Philippines, compared with 1,500 for Australia and 460 for Hawaii. Also we have 720 species of coral, compared to 350 in the Great Barrier Reef and 40 in Hawaii," he said.
But diving treasures were taken for granted.
"Do you realize that you’re in paradise and you’ve never been able to experience what Americans and Europeans will pay thousands of dollars for the privilege of going to see? It’s like owning a Ferrari and never driving it," he said, quoting Dave Allen, American marine videographer.
The Philippines is known for its premier dive spots, ranking 5th Best Diving Area and landing in the Top 10 Most Desirable Destinations, in a recent survey conducted in Japan.
Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, said, "Divers, eco-travelers, families and professionals on holiday are sure to be lured to the Philippines’ scenic beaches, dive spots, and other alternative travel destinations."
El Nido, for one is a protected area and part of the so-called Coral Triangle.
This is one of the most important aquatic biodiversity sites in the world.
El Nido is a very promising place for tourism for its pristine islands and beaches. It has been a destination for diving and snorkeling for the past two decades.
Statistics from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed a 194 percent increase in tourism arrivals in Camarines Sur, while Cebu and Boracay posted a 2.3 percent and 6 percent growth, respectively in the first half.
In the first semester of 2009, the volume of dive tourists in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Batangas grew by 62.8 percent.
German dive enthusiasts posted 131.9 percent increase while the Koreans divers went up by 104 percent, Americans 37 percent, Japanese 34 percent, and Chinese 31 percent.
Overall gross receipts from dive tourism in said destinations posted an increase of 52.8 percent to P31 million from P20.2 million in the first half of 2008. Substantial growth of 82 percent was recorded during the first quarter of 2009. Revenues generated by dive operators in Bohol surged by 195 percent while those in Cebu rose by 69 percent. |
