Tpb Caps Off Successful Domestic Tourism Invitational Program in  Camiguin, Highlights Dive Tourism Development 

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 the practical knowledge and tools  to develop and market competitive dive packages.

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 

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 between 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/  

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