THE Philippines is set to introduce a new tourism product that was created by a Filipino — and that’s bonfire diving.
At the sideline of the Philippine Travel Exchange in Pasay City, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles revealed that the Tourism department could soon include bonfire diving in its list of tourism products or offerings.
Bonfire diving was created by diving photographer Ram Yoro in 2015 and he said it has attracted several foreign divers and photographers in recent years. It refers to diving at night in shallow waters with light to attract planktons and other species, which is then good for diving photography.
“They are now looking for something new to try and blackwater and bonfire are perfect for that. Because you have the same skills set for macro shooting, so meron na sila nun, but ‘yung plethora ng subjects are different. Planktons usually look otherworldly,” said Yoro.
He added in jest that there is no literal fire in bonfire diving, but lights are set up to capture under sea at night, similar to blackwater diving. Yoro said bonfire diving is easier to do and is just in the shallow part of the sea.
Bonfire diving will be formally unveiled at the Camiguin Diving Festival this month. May Unchuan, regional director of the Department of Tourism Region 10, said bonfire diving would be good option for many tourists especially since the country is already known as among the best diving spots in the world. Now, she said tourists can also dive at night with proper training and supervision.
“They’ve been practicing this in Anilao and it’s becoming quite popular in the Philippines. ‘Yung pinakamaganda dito talagang Pilipino ang nag-develop,” Unchuan said.
Yoro is expected to meet with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to discuss ways how bonfire diving can be incorporated into the Philippines’ tourism offerings.
Nograles said the DOT is pushing for experiential tourism. She said beaches remain a top destination, but many visitors are now looking to experience the country’s culture more. Part of the activities at the Philippine Travel Exchange is to know the preferences of global tourists and how local tour operators can create meaningful experiences.
TPB now hopes to surpass last year’s sales at PHITEX which was recorded at around P250 million. Nearly 100 global buyers from about 20 countries joined the event with over 100 local tour operators, hotels, and other tour groups. (ABS-CBN News)
