"Snorkeling is a must-do activity!" Without exaggeration, our editor asked ten friends and eight said the same. Snorkeling is indeed the most basic form of diving, which is absolutely true — the sport of diving is much closer to us than we think. Last year, the Asia Outdoor Exhibition introduced a water sports zone for the first time and partnered with Guangzhou's PADI five-star dive instructor center to set up a booth on-site to promote water sports, which received an enthusiastic response. As a result, this year's Asia Outdoor Exhibition will retain the water sports zone while further enhancing the diving zone, inviting more diving-related institutions to participate.
In just the past few years, PADI has actively helped establish China as a top diving destination. It is reported that China’s diving industry has shown consistent year-on-year growth, which has had a positive impact on both the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, while also creating numerous job opportunities for locals. In 2014, China became one of the leading countries for dive certification. Data shows that from 2009 to 2014, the number of new PADI dive resorts in China increased by 600%, and in 2014, PADI dive resorts issued 55.3% more entry-level and continuing education dive certifications compared to 2013.
"Why is PADI partnering with the Asia Outdoor Exhibition to promote diving within the outdoor industry?" Asked about this, Sharon Loh, PADI’s Marketing Director for the Asia-Pacific region, said: "PADI’s participation in the Asia Outdoor Exhibition is not only about promoting scuba diving to the active adventure community, but also about opening up new markets. Setting up a diving zone in collaboration with the Asia Outdoor Exhibition is aimed at promoting diving as a lifestyle. Whether visitors are seeking leisure and entertainment or professional involvement, it offers them a chance to discover a life-changing sport." She also suggested that those interested consider pursuing a career in the diving industry in China, as PADI is keen to introduce dive education and products to the new generation of outdoor adventurers.
"Diving is one of the outdoor sports, and its future development prospects are very promising. Being integrated into the Asia Outdoor Exhibition for two consecutive years is a great choice and mutually beneficial for growth," said Luo Taoxiong, General Manager of Guangzhou Fire Fox, who also expressed his affirmation of the diving zone at the Asia Outdoor Exhibition. He also pointed out three core aspects of diving: "Clubs, products, and certification training." At this year’s diving zone in the Asia Outdoor Exhibition, PADI will focus on these three key features, as well as topics such as "How can outdoor retail outlets provide better service to customers?" and "How should an outdoor store display its products?" Setting up dedicated sessions to offer direct guidance and advice to outdoor business operators and professional attendees right at the exhibition site.
So, if you’re also interested in diving and water sports, let’s meet at the Asia Outdoor Exhibition in Nanjing from July 23–26.
(Image source: @Luo Chunming Diving Photography)