Fiji has gained incredible momentum in the Chinese dive industry after receiving the ‘Best Shark Diving Destination’ Award at the Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Expo in Shanghai.
The Dive Resort Travel 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.
Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Manager for the Asia Market Kathy Koyamaibole who received the award on Fiji’s behalf said that Fiji’s shark dive was definitely ‘top of mind’ for most of the dive clubs and visitors to the expo.
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.
Koyamaibole said 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.
Fijian Resort representatives from Leleuvia Island Resort and Volivoli Beach Resort who attended the DRT Expo shared similar sentiments.
Leleuvia Island Resort Manager Colin Philp said the Dive Resort Travel has been an amazing opportunity for the 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.
Meanwhile, Volivoli Beach Resorts’ representative Susie Erbe, a frequent exhibitor at the Dive Resort Travel shows in Asia, said she was very impressed with the increase in the volume of visitors who were genuinely interested in booking dive holidays and for Fiji in particular.
