The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines now leads the country’s delegation at the Korea Underwater Sports Expo (KUSPO), from March 26 to 29 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. Held within the Seoul International Sports and Leisure Industry Show (SPOEX), KUSPO is South Korea’s largest underwater sports expo and a major fixture on the global scuba diving calendar.
The four-day trade show brings together dive professionals, equipment brands, and scuba training providers from across Asia. This event serves as an opportunity for premium business-to-consumer (B2C) engagements and destination promotions within the underwater and dive tourism sector.
In 2025, TPB’s participation in KUSPO generated more than PHP 125 million in sales leads, a 306.66% increase from 2024, signaling growing interest in the Philippines’ dive offerings among South Korean travelers. To sustain this trajectory amid a shifting global landscape, TPB aims to leverage the event as an opportunity to foster stronger collaborations within the industry. This year, the delegation aims to integrate high-growth sectors like dive tourism with premium wellness to respond to evolving traveler preferences with a more resilient and diversified tourism portfolio.
“South Korea is one of the Philippines’ most valuable tourism markets,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “KUSPO serves as a strategic gateway for us to remain a top-of-mind destination among South Korean divers. Our goal is to co-create value for our country in the dive and wellness sectors, ensuring our offerings remain compelling amidst a rapidly evolving tourism climate.”
During the event, the Philippine delegation aims to position the country as an ideal destination for dive training and certification, as well as advanced underwater experiences. The exhibitors are also promoting the country’s unique advantage as the center of marine biodiversity through world-renowned dive destinations and diverse underwater ecosystems.
By fostering dialogue between global professionals and local stakeholders, this participation is designed to develop business opportunities aligned with the current market’s needs and to sustain a positive perception of travel experiences in the Philippines.
As the Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in the South Korean dive market, TPB invites dive professionals, buyers, and travel enthusiasts to discover not just the world-class diving experiences in the heart of the Coral Triangle, but also the unique wellness experiences that showcase the true richness of our islands.
