Philippines: Dive tourism grew 62.8 percent
Philippines (Global Adventures): The number of dive tourists visiting the Philippines grew by 62.8 percent in the first quarter of 2009. The Department of Tourism lists Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Batangas as the favorite diving destinations for foreign tourists.
Compared to the first quarter of 2008, divers from Germany accounted for the biggest increase (131 percent), followed by dive tourists from Korean (up by 104 percent), the US (up 37 percent), Japan (up 34 percent) and China (up 31 percent). Gross receipts from dive tourism posted an upsurge of 52.8 percent.
However, the situation may change in the future since price increases are in the works. Joseph Ace Durano, Department of Tourism secretary, urged the local governments and diving shop operators to put premium rates on diving fees “… as this kind of potential tourist-drawer product has been under-valued.”
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Ah, the Germans! 8 weeks of paid vacations, on average 13 months of paid work per year (yes, to afford the long vacations and big Christmas presents too.) That’s something we Americans can only dream about! I guess I need to go diving!