Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Phineas Alburo (left) with Atlantides Plongee Manager Catherine Ragot and a member of the 21-strong French diving group look over the trophies to be presented to the winners of the annual Atlantides Plongee underwater photography contest.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently welcomed the contingent Atlantis Resort in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental for the marine imagery competition. This is the first time the contest will be held in the Philippines.

The French nationals will be taking to the waters surrounding Dumaguete and nearby Apo Island to shoot and build up their entries.

The DOT attributes the international diving market’s increased interest on Philippine shores to the collaborative efforts of the Department and its private sector partners.

The country’s recognition as Destination of Honor in the recent Paris Dive Show has likewise helped the Philippines gain leverage among the watersports industry in Europe.

The Atlantides Plongee participants are the second group of marine professional and amateur photographers that the DOT has received this year.

Earlier, the department welcomed the arrival of 36 Belgian and Dutch nationals to Puerto Galera for the Oceanic Underwater Photography Cup.

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