The Philippines recently concluded its participation in the Korea Underwater Sports Expo (KUSPO) 2026 from March 26 to 29 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. Led by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the delegation secured PHP 300,191,315.00 million in sales leads, a testament to the enduring appeal of the country’s premier dive destinations.
KUSPO is South Korea’s largest underwater sports expo and is usually held at the Seoul International Sports and Leisure Industry Show (SPOEX).This made KUSPO an important avenue for the Philippine delegation to engage in business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions and industry networking within the global diving sector.
The Philippines’ participation in KUSPO last year also generated a strong market response, making this year’s event a prime opportunity to continue promoting the Philippines’ dive offerings among South Korean travelers. By participating in this event, the delegation was able to reinforce the promotions and market development efforts done in 2025, when South Korean visitors accounted for 20.76 percent of the Philippines’ inbound tourism arrivals.
“KUSPO 2026 allowed us to see that our standing as a premier destination for dive training and leisure travel continues to resonate among high-value markets across Asia,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “As an archipelago endowed with rich marine biodiversity and diverse diving locations, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to offer experiences that few destinations can match. Thus, our goal is to continue promoting our natural wonders, so that travelers will continue to perceive our country as a top-of-mind destination amidst the evolving global landscape.”
The Philippine delegation was composed of ten co-exhibitors comprising dive resorts, tour operators, and dive training centers that showcased the country’s premier dive travel experiences to South Korean dive professionals, industry partners, and consumers. Throughout the exhibition, the delegation’s collective efforts expanded market visibility for Philippine dive packages and opportunities for technical dive training through internationally recognized certification programs.
Exhibitors also highlighted the Philippines’ unique advantage as a central hub for marine biodiversity, presenting world-renowned dive sites and diverse underwater ecosystems alongside wellness-oriented travel experiences that appeal to the South Korean market. Together, these offerings demonstrate the Philippines’ broader appeal as a destination where dive tourism can be complemented by leisure and island experiences, resulting in a more enriching travel proposition for international visitors.
Through active engagement in major dive-focused platforms, TPB continues to advance the Philippines as a leading destination for dive travel and marine exploration. The success of the participation this year marks another milestone in the country’s journey to sustain its competitive edge and capture the growing global demand for specialized, nature-based travel.
As the global landscape shifts, the Philippines remains steadfast in its mission to showcase its natural wonders, ensuring that its vibrant reefs and professional dive services continue to set the gold standard for international marine tourism.
