THE PHILIPPINE dive delegation, led by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, recently concluded its participation in the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), held on June 05 to 07, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Generating PHP 113,273,411.00 million in sales leads, the Philippine delegation showcased the country’s award-winning dive destinations and offered special packages from discounted accommodation rates to guided liveaboard adventures.
The three-day event gathered a total of 10 Philippine dive outfits, namely Aldive Corporation, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort, Dauin Silver Reef Dive Resort, Garden of Eden Dive Resort, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort & Spa, Logon Fish Buddies Dive Center, M/Y Resolute (Liveaboards), Slam’s Garden Dive Resort – Ocean Passion, and Umali Dive Center Corporation.
Dive enthusiasts, mainly from Malaysia, visited the 72-square-meter Philippine country pavilion, which was designed with colorful underwater images shot from the country’s renowned dive locations.
The Philippine dive delegation recorded strong interest in destinations such as Palawan, Negros Oriental, Batangas, Cebu, and Mindoro, with visitors also expressing enthusiasm for specialized experiences including pelagic and wreck diving.
“MIDE provides an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to promote its world-class dive destinations to the Malaysian market and beyond,” said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “This year, we came in not only showing the beauty of our underwater treasures but also strengthening our continued support for the Malaysian and Philippine dive stakeholders as evidenced by the Longstanding Appreciation Award we received for our participation for the last 13 years. And with a strong contingent covering the various segments of the Philippine dive industry, we were able to achieve an impressive sales lead figure, solidifying the country’s position as a premier global diving destination.”
Though MIDE is a consumer-based event, the TPB organized business-to-business (B2B) meetings through its Market Representative in Malaysia. A total of 142 meetings were scheduled, allowing Philippine dive stakeholders to establish stronger partnerships with Malaysian dive agents and further increase sales.
In addition to promoting key Philippine dive destinations, Philippine dive companies highlighted improved accessibility through carriers including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Malaysian-based airlines such as AirAsia and Firefly, both of which operate direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Cebu – a key gateway to major dive sites.
Aside from managing the B2B, the TPB also organized marketing and promotional activities for the general public, including free promotional items for answering market surveys and booking Philippine dive packages.
