Asia Dive Expo (ADEX 2003) closes a success

This years Asia Dive Expo (ADEX 2003) held recently in Bangkok attracted around 20,000 visitors all eager to learn more about the enormous diving potential around Asia and especially Thailand.

The show attracted dive operators from 18 countries, with a total of 82 booths showcasing their products and services to trade and consumer visitors.

The organizer, Rai Exhibition (Thailand) and TAT reported a rough estimate that the show generates about 1,530 million baht, of which 1,500 milllion Baht is from expenses and investments of exhibitors and the organizer, while another 30 million Baht is total sales.

"Visitors have shown their great interest in diving destinations and products, especially families and youth groups. We [TAT] believes that the show will send a message worldwide reinforcing Thailand's image as a premier diving spot in Asia, as well as building visitors and local operators' awareness in dive tourism," said Ms Juthamas.

She added that TAT also hopes the show will encourage Thai dive operators to more actively support TAT's efforts in expanding the diving market in Thailand, both domestically and internationally.