The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is positioning Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte as a rising global dive destination following a showcase of the area’s underwater attractions at Salon de la Plongée 2026, one of the world’s biggest diving expos.
DOT regional director for the Eastern Visayas Karina Rosa Tiopes declared in a statement released on Monday, 12th January, that the international exhibition held from the 8th to the 11th of this month gave the region a strategic platform to directly engage the global dive market and attract more foreign dive tourists.
Tiopes said: “This is the second time that we have joined Salon de la Plongée. Our main goal is to expand our reach into the dive market and ultimately increase arrivals of dive enthusiasts.”
She further explained that Sogod Bay’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to developing sustainable and high-quality dive tourism, whilst positioning the destination as a must-visit destination within the Philippines’ diverse marine landscape.
Active engagement
The Sogod Bay promotion was conducted through the DOT Philippines Pavilion, where the spotlight was cast on its rich marine biodiversity.
Key dive stakeholders from Eastern Visayas also participated in the event, including representatives of Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and Peter’s Dive Resort, who engaged with visitors and provided firsthand information on the region’s unique underwater attractions.
Following the event, DOT officials expressed optimism that the exposure in Paris will translate into increased international arrivals and stronger recognition of Sogod Bay as one of the Philippines’ next top dive hotspots.
