Thailand sends delegation to World's Premier Dive Trade Show in Miami, Florida

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be leading a delegation of Thai dive operators to the DEMA Show 2003 - the world's premier trade exhibition for scuba diving, snorkelling, ocean sports and adventure/dive travel industries organised by the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA).

Participation in the show, which runs from 8 - 11 October 2003, is strictly limited to trade professionals with credentials required for registration. Members of the Thai delegation who are joining TAT in the Thailand Country Pavilion will be among 14,280 dive and travel industry professionals representing 721 professional organisations from around the world participating in the trade show at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

Participation and presence at the show raises Thailand's profile as one of the world's leading dive destinations and increases international awareness of the quality and diversity of dive products and services and marine ecotourism opportunities that the country offers.

TAT stated that it encourages participation from Thai dive operators and invites applications. The Thailand Pavilion is 20 sq m by 20 sq m. A subsidised rate has been extended and space within the country pavilion is allocated on a first come first served basis.

DEMA 2003 presents buyers with an opportunity to shop for new products or travel destinations to expand the range of products and services they offer, and provides exhibitors and trade visitors with a forum to connect with others involved in the diving, ocean sport or adventure travel industries and interface with dive destinations and resorts from around the world.

The Official Dive Travel Conference - a one day pre-show conference enables travel agents, retailers, group leaders or wholesale booking agents to acquire new knowledge and skills in selling dive travel effectively. Other highlights include the Lifeguard Systems Public Safety Diving Workshop, the Dive Fashion Show featuring the latest apparel and scuba suit options and the DEMA Awards Black Tie Gala.

Thailand As A Dive Destination

Thailand is among the world's finest dive destinations. With over 2,700 kilometres of coastline bordering the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea which is part of the Indian Ocean, and surrounding offshore islands, Thailand offers a variety of coastal environments and a great variety of dive destinations, each offering tremendous diversity in colourful marine life. Ideal snorkelling and diving conditions are available all year round.

Divers consider the Thai sea to be a "friendly sea". Of moderate depths ranging between 60-120 feet or 15-35 metres, with moderate wind and wave conditions, Thai seas are usually peaceful and diver-friendly. The tropical waters around Thailand are at optimum temperatures for marine dives. Coral reefs thrive in the seasonally calm and clear waters of the Thai seas. Visibility is also exceptionally good.

The dive sites around Thailand are within easy reach and are easily accessible by air, by sea or overland by road and rail in a matter of hours, rather than days. Most of the key diving destinations around Thailand have decent service infrastructure and offer a reasonable degree of comfort and convenience. There are also a wide variety of dive products and packages featuring beach dives, day dives, and live aboard options, to meet varying needs and budgets. Ranging from budget travel backpacking packages to top-end luxury products.