China’s potential in dive tourism is immense and set to continue rising in the foreseen future. According to PADI’s recent market report, China is the fastest-growing market in dive tourism. On average, the annual growth rate of newly certified divers in China is 35-40%, much higher than the overall global rate of 10%. The market also shows a strong interest in freediving and mermaid diving.
Before the pandemic, the Diving & Resort Travel (DRT) Expo in Shanghai recorded an average 30% yearly growth rate of exhibitors since 2014; this number jumped to 76% in 2017.
Localising your brand is crucial to breaking down cultural barriers and connecting with the Chinese audience.
At HelloDive, we're passionate about building multi-dimensional connections between brands and Chinese divers. Rather than just translating, we transform your website, social media, and other marketing materials into content that resonates with Chinese travellers. We know how and when to emphasise the details that matter to them. Plus, we offer various Chinese e-wallet options to our customers, so you don't have to worry about setting it up yourself. That way, you can seamlessly enter the market without any roadblocks.
Good customer experiences is key to maintaining growth and building a strong reputation in the Chinese market. To achieve this, it's important to understand the needs and preferences of Chinese divers at every stage of their journey. HelloDive offers training and consultation services to help your team gain the right level of market knowledge and effectively cater to the needs of Chinese divers.
As the dive industry moves into 2026, major expos across Asia continue to play a critical role in shaping B2B relationships, market visibility, and annual sales planning. For suppliers looking to grow their presence in the Chinese-speaking market, choosing the right shows, and understanding what each one offers, has never been more important.
China’s outbound dive market runs on a clear seasonal rhythm, defined largely by three major holidays: Chinese New Year, Labour Day, and National Golden Week. These periods concentrate traveller attention and purchasing power, creating distinct opportunities, as well as competition, for operators looking to grow their presence in the Chinese market. This article outlines what differentiates each holiday and provides practical guidance on how to plan your products, timing, and marketing for 2026.
This past weekend, HelloDive team was delighted to visit the Asia Dive Expo Japan (ADEJ), held from September 26th to 28th at Tokyo Big Sight. The expo offered us valuable insights into emerging destinations and conversations surrounding ocean health.
Preparing for Chinese guests doesn’t require a major overhaul. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in how welcome divers feel and how likely they are to return or recommend you.
With HelloDive.com consistently appearing at the top of Google and Baidu for diving searches, the behaviour we capture is a strong indicator of real demand.
In collaboration with PADI and top local dive centres, HelloDive has launched a new series of in-person dive sharing events across Australia and New Zealand
"In May 2023, HelloDive embarked on a familiarisation journey to Jeju Island, South Korea. As the only diving specialist travel agency invited, HelloDive had the exclusive opportunity to explore the diving tourism resources in this captivating destination."
The series of events was held in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Qingcheng Mountain, inviting over 60 domestic travel agencies and more than 200 tourism industry professionals to participate in informative sessions and networking opportunities.