Bohol Beach Club in Panglao, Bohol served as the stunning backdrop for the PADI Tide Dive Festival on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Shanghai Office, in partnership with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) China, the festival heralded a major push to re-establish the Philippines as the premier dive destination for the rapidly expanding Chinese market. It highlighted marine conservation and cultural immersion, drawing certified divers, influencers, and industry stakeholders from both the Philippines and China.
The immersive tour launched with a welcoming luncheon at Panagatan Restaurant in Opol, Misamis Oriental, followed by a visit to the first Tourist Rest Area constructed in Mindanao.
The removal of crown-of-thorns starfish serves as a marine conservation activity in Panglao Island, Bohol.
Demonstrating marine stewardship, 100 Chinese divers and five PADI ambassadors dove into the tropical waters for the removal of the invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. These activities, conducted with guidance from local marine non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and PADI’s Project AWARE, showcased the Philippines’ deep commitment to ocean sustainability.
In the afternoon, a beachside dialogue and panel discussion convened stakeholders to explore critical topics, such as sustainable tourism models, marine conservation best practices, and innovative dive industry partnerships. The goal was clear: to ensure that the continued growth of dive tourism in Bohol is managed responsibly, preserving the destination’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Ms. Joanne Pinat, Officer-in-charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and
Program Manager, Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark
The main event was a lively celebration featuring remarks from Tourism Attaché for PDOT Shanghai Office, Francis Lardizabal; Supervising Tourism Operations Officer for DOT Central Visayas Region, Riza Marie S. Macaibay; and Ms. Joanne Pinat, alongside local government officials from Bohol, underscoring the united national and local efforts to welcome back international visitors.
The spirited cultural performances of the WinArts Dance Anatomy and Lumad Panglaoanon Cultural Dance Troupe provided guests with an immersive experience, proving that Bohol offers a unique blend of adventure, heritage, and genuine Filipino hospitality. The day concluded with networking and a grand raffle of prizes like dive gear, resort accommodations, and sponsored airline tickets.
Five participants winning dive gear during the grand raffle
This festival was strategically designed to position Bohol as the ideal destination for travelers who want to explore its rich marine life, world-class dive sites, and a trusted network of PADI-certified dive centers.
“The PADI Tide Dive Festival in Bohol elevates the Philippines’ brand, showcasing our commitment to both high-value tourism and sustainability,” stated TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “By including conservation activities, we invite Chinese divers to actively participate in preserving our world-class marine biodiversity. This will be instrumental in making the Philippines among the premier and most responsible dive destinations in Asia.”
PADI Ambassadors in front of the Tarsier Sanctuary signage
The success of the PADI Tide Dive Festival in Bohol firmly anchors the Philippines’ commitment to both high-quality tourism and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future international engagements—an achievement made possible through robust partnerships.
TPB extends its sincere gratitude to the Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, for their invaluable support, and recognizes the following sponsors: Bohol Beach Club, the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Inc. (BAHRR), led by President Doer Escoto of the Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao, and the Department of Tourism Central Visayas Region, under the leadership of OIC-Regional Director Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimapas, EnP.
