Philippines Builds Strong Dive Tourism Ties at Korea Underwater Sports Expo

The Philippines made a powerful impression at the Korea Underwater Sports Expo (KUSPO), securing millions in dive tourism sales leads and reaffirming its reputation as a top destination for Korean divers.

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The Philippines secured over ₱125 million in sales leads at the KUSPO 2025, held from March 27 to 30 at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) led the Philippine delegation, composed of dive resorts, liveaboards, and airline partners, including Aldive Resort, Kakay’s Maldito Beach Resort & Diving Shop, Bongo Bongo Divers, Sierra Madre Divers Dive Center, Atlantis Dive Resorts & Liveaboards, Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air.

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The Philippine booth, themed “Beach, Dive, and Dine,” attracted over 35,000 visitors and featured dive destinations from Cebu, Batangas, Puerto Galera, Bohol, and Negros Oriental. Business-to-consumer engagements and a Dive Philippines Reception Night connected the delegation with 50 key Korean dive operators, generating impressive networking and promotional outcomes.

Interactive activities, raffles, exclusive travel packages, and a taste of Philippine coffee by Kaulayaw Coffee added to the booth’s appeal. A special presentation by South Korean underwater photographer Jerome Kim, an advocate of Dive Philippines, highlighted the country’s rich marine life and dive opportunities.

Find out how the Philippines’ commitment to marine conservation earned it the Best Dive Destination Award for being champions of marine ecology.

TPB participation came at a crucial time, with dive tourism contributing over ₱73 billion in 2023, nearly doubling the ₱37 billion in 2022. The Philippines now features around 120 dive sites, including emerging destinations known for both adventure and ecological richness.

To ensure diver safety and meet growing demand, the Philippines is expanding its network of hyperbaric chambers in top dive locations such as Boracay, Camiguin, Dumaguete, Puerto Galera, and Daanbantayan in Cebu.

Here are some snaps from the KUSPO 2025:

“South Korea has always had a deep appreciation for the ocean and the experiences it offers. At KUSPO, we did not just promote destinations–we built connections with Korean travelers who seek meaning, thrill, and sustainability in their journeys,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “The growing interest from the Korean market is both an affirmation of our world-class dive sites and a challenge to us to continue elevating standards, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility in every experience we offer.”

With 1,569,071 South Korean visitors recorded in 2024, South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of international tourists. TPB’s KUSPO participation reflects its commitment to growing the dive tourism sector through strategic promotion, public-private partnerships, and the development of sustainable, high-value travel experiences.

Explore how the Philippines is creating deeper global connections through its world-class dive destinations and sustainable tourism efforts.

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