DDIVE TOURISM MARKET AT A GLANCE

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.

CCHINESE MARKET LOCALISATION

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.

Indonesia Field Report: Insights from our newest Dive Master

Recently, Jiahao, a member of the HelloDive team, completed a two-month field study across Indonesia. His journey covered core regions including Bali, the Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan, Tulamben, and Komodo. In addition to meeting face-to-face with local dive shop operators to understand the current market, Jiahao successfully earned his Divemaster (DM) certification. This experience allows us to review products and services from a more practical and professional perspective.​

The 2026 Asia Dive Expo Calendar and Strategic Planning

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.

Seizing China’s Three Major Holidays: A Practical Guide for Capturing Peak-Season Growth

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.