Nadi, 08 April 2015 – Fiji’s shark dive has gained incredible momentum in the Chinese dive industry and has rightfully received the ‘Best Shark Diving Destination’ Award at the Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Expo in Shanghai.
The DRT Expo, the only professional diving exhibition in China, is an event developed for the diving industry of Shanghai and attracts exhibitors – enthusiastic diving resorts and live-aboard operators – from all over the Asia-Pacific region.
The three-day event, from 20-22 March, provided the exhibitors a chance to actively participate and exchange information pertaining specifically to the dive industry ranging from destinations to best diving techniques and equipment.
Fiji was voted as the Best Shark Diving Destination after EZDIVE Magazine carried out an analysis of its members (the Chinese divers) and Fiji came out on top.
Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Manager for the Asia Market, Ms. Kathy Koyamaibole who attended the Expo and received the award on Fiji’s behalf shared, “Fiji’s shark dive was definitely ‘top of mind’ for most of the dive clubs and visitors to the expo.”
Ms. Koyamaibole adds, “Receiving this award was a formalization of that. Where in the world can you dive and expect to see more than seven species of sharks in one dive while also feeding them without cages! That’s why Fiji is no doubt the best destination to experience shark diving.”
Partners and Fijian resort representatives who attended the DRT Expo shared similar sentiments and found the event an excellent platform to market Fiji’s dive tourism.
Leleuvia Island Resort Manager, Mr Colin Philp says the opportunities for Fiji Tourism in China are endless. “The DRT has been an amazing opportunity for Leleuvia Island Resort to exhibit to the lucrative Chinese Dive market. The quality of the Expo, the high percentage of Travel Agents and contacts made with Dive Clubs and service suppliers far outweigh the costs in attending so we hope to be back next year.”
Volivoli Beach Resorts’, Ms. Susie Erbe, a frequent exhibitor at the DRT shows in Asia, says she was very impressed with the increase in the volume of visitors, “They seemed genuinely interested in booking dive holidays and for Fiji in particular. I feel the show is now a necessity for those wishing to reach divers based in China.”
The presence of Tourism Fiji at such Expos helps bolster the appeal of Fiji and assist the industry to stand out against bigger tourism boards who have strong resort representation at their booths. “A wider selection of Fiji-based resorts will enhance this and benefit all exhibitors,” Ms. Erbe adds.
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