TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas strengthened its push into the global dive tourism market as the Department of Tourism Region 8 (DOT-8) promoted the dive sites of Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, during the prestigious Salon de la Plongée 2026 in Paris, France.
The annual international dive exhibition was held from January 8 to 11 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Hall 4. Now on its 27th edition, Salon de la Plongée is among the world’s largest and most respected dive fairs, drawing diving enthusiasts, industry professionals, manufacturers, travel operators, and tourism boards from around the world.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said Eastern Visayas’ participation is part of a sustained effort to widen its presence in the international dive market and attract more foreign visitors.
“This is the second time that we joined Salon de la Plongée. Our main goal is to expand our reach into the dive market and ultimately increase arrivals of dive enthusiasts,” Tiopes said.
She also highlighted the vital role of private sector partners in directly engaging prospective markets and promoting dive products and services.
Representing Eastern Visayas at the DOT Philippines Pavilion were key dive stakeholders from Sogod Bay, including Sogod Bay Scuba Resort, represented by Bela Papp, and Peter’s Dive Resort, represented by Jundino Razon. The resort operators interacted with visitors, offering firsthand information and promoting Sogod Bay’s unique underwater experiences.
Sogod Bay is regarded as Eastern Visayas’ top diving destination, boasting more than 30 dive sites that cater to a wide range of divers, from macro life enthusiasts to those seeking large walls, vibrant coral formations, and encounters with whale sharks.
DOT-8 reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable and high-quality dive tourism, positioning Sogod Bay as a key destination within the Philippines’ diverse underwater landscape. Aside from Sogod Bay, the DOT pavilion also featured other premier dive destinations nationwide, underscoring the country’s status as one of the world’s leading diving destinations.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
