Media Release

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
11 October 2016
DOT eyes Pacman fight in PH
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo has expressed optimism that Senator Manny
Pacman Pacquiao might be able to stage a boxing bout in the Philippines, which
will be a big boost to the Philippines sports tourism.
With the signing of the contract afoot for the countrys hosting of the Miss
Universe pageant on January 30, 2017, Teo said the Department of Tourism is
banking on sporting events like boxing championships as a potential visitor market.
Sen. Pacquiao no doubt can help us score a knockout victory in terms of
international visitor arrival if he were to fight in the Philippines. Imagine how the
world stops to watch it against the backdrop of, lets say Cebu City, Teo said.
Any of Pacquiaos top rivals Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Jose Manuel Marquez
would be most welcome in the Philippines if only boxing promoters can make it
happen.
The DOT also looks to infuse more funding to promote diving tourism as more
and more diving enthusiasts discover the Philippine waters as a best-kept secret
destination.
DOT Undersecretary for Media Affairs and Public Advocacy Katherine de
Castro said the agency thrust to increase the countrys boost up 1.7 percent market
share of the 7.3 million active divers worldwide.
Deep diving enthusiasts from India, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, the
Netherlands, and the Middle East attended the recent Dive Resort Travel (DRT) PH
Show at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. More are expected
to attended the Diving Equipment an Marketing Association Show (DEMA) which will
be held in Las Vegas on November 11-14, 2016.
It is time to showcase our marine biodiversity as the Philippines becomes a
preferred diving destination with the richest concentration of marine life in the
entire planet, said De Castro, a diving enthusiast herself.
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CZARINA ZARA-LOYOLA
Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy
Department of Tourism
3/F The New DOT Building
351 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
1200 Makati City
Philippines
+63 9175119990
4595200 loc 323