Bohol’s PADI Tide Dive Festival Captivates Chinese Market and Champions Sustainable Marine Tourism

PADI Ambassadors and Chinese divers

A Celebration of Diving, Culture, and Conservation in Panglao

Bohol Beach Club in Panglao, Bohol transformed into a vibrant hub of ocean advocacy and cultural exchange on November 8, 2025, as the PADI Tide Dive Festival brought together Chinese divers, Filipino dive professionals, tourism leaders, and sustainability advocates. The event, hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and the Department of Tourism Shanghai Office in partnership with PADI China, marked a significant step in re-establishing the Philippines as the leading dive destination for the fast-growing Chinese market.

With its pristine waters, thriving ecosystems, and world-renowned dive sites, Bohol provided the perfect setting to highlight the country’s commitment to responsible tourism and marine preservation.

Marine Conservation Takes Centre Stage

One of the most impactful components of the festival was a large-scale conservation initiative involving the removal of invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Guided by local marine NGOs and PADI’s Project AWARE, 100 Chinese divers and five PADI ambassadors worked together beneath Panglao’s tropical waters to protect coral reefs threatened by the destructive species.

This collective effort reflected the nation’s long-term dedication to preserving its marine biodiversity. Through hands-on participation, divers gained a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing the region and the role they can play in safeguarding it.

Dialogue and Collaboration for a Sustainable Dive Future

The removal of crown-of-thorns starfish

The afternoon featured a coastal forum and panel discussion, bringing together government representatives, sustainability experts, and dive industry leaders. The dialogue focused on sustainable tourism strategies, conservation best practices, and innovative partnerships that can secure the future of Bohol’s marine attractions.

Speakers including Tourism Attaché Francis Lardizabal, DOT Central Visayas’ Riza Marie S. Macaibay, and Bohol Provincial Tourism Office’s Joanne Pinat emphasized the importance of unified national and local efforts to nurture the destination’s natural assets. Their insights strengthened the festival’s mission to promote long-term, responsible dive tourism.

Cultural Performances Showcase Bohol’s Heritage

As evening approached, the festival shifted into a dynamic cultural celebration led by WinArts Dance Anatomy and the Lumad Panglaoanon Cultural Dance Troupe. Their performances highlighted the richness of Bohol’s traditions and offered visitors an authentic connection to local heritage.

The festivities concluded with networking sessions and an exciting raffle featuring dive equipment, resort stays, and airline tickets, reinforcing the strong support from tourism and hospitality partners throughout the province.

Positioning Bohol as a Premier Dive Destination

The PADI Tide Dive Festival reinforced Bohol’s growing reputation as a top-tier destination for divers seeking world-class underwater experiences paired with meaningful environmental engagement. With its exceptional dive sites and strong network of PADI-certified operators, the region is ideally positioned to welcome the return of international travellers.

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles highlighted how the festival strengthens the Philippines’ brand on the global stage by integrating conservation into tourism experiences. She noted that inviting Chinese divers to participate in ecological protection fosters deeper connections and elevates the country’s standing as a responsible and sustainable dive destination.

A Milestone for International Tourism Partnerships

The success of the event underscored the powerful impact of collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and global dive organizations. TPB expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government of Bohol, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, and sponsors including Bohol Beach Club, BAHRR, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao, and DOT Central Visayas.

Their combined efforts not only shaped a memorable festival but also set a new standard for future international engagements centered on sustainability, culture, and high-value tourism.

Contact Details

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines
Website: www.tpb.gov.ph

Department of Tourism Philippines
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph

Bohol Tourism Office
Website: https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/

PADI
Website: www.padi.com

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