Bangkok, 5 September 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Beauty Diving” initiative in Phuket, showcasing Thailand’s marine tourism offerings to the rapidly expanding Chinese diving market.
Organised from 4 to 6 September 2025 through collaboration between the TAT Guangzhou Office, Scuba Schools International (SSI), and the Guangzhou Diving Association, the initiative showcased diving opportunities in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, renowned for its natural beauty and marine conservation. More than 150 Chinese divers participated, with activities including free diving, scuba diving, and mermaid diving, as well as a CSR project supporting ocean conservation.
The programme commenced with the “Amazing Thailand Beauty Diving Welcome Reception” on 4 September at Dusit Thani Laguna Beach Resort, Phuket. The evening featured a mermaid-themed photo booth encouraging social media sharing, an upcycling workshop using marine debris and natural materials, cultural performances, and the presentation of souvenirs, all designed to inspire divers to return to Thailand for future trips.
Mr. Boonrapee Damrongrat, TAT Director of East Asia Market Division, said, “China’s diving community offers Thailand a clear opportunity to strengthen its position as a leading dive destination. By linking world-class dive sites with cultural and leisure experiences, we can attract quality visitors who support sustainable tourism and generate strong benefits for local communities.”
China has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing diving markets. In 2018, global diving certifications increased by 5 percent, while certifications in China rose by 40 percent, representing eight times the global average. Chinese divers typically seek destinations that combine diving with wider travel experiences, staying on average eight to ten days and spending significantly more than general visitors. Mermaid diving, a fusion of freediving, yoga and swimming, is particularly popular among this group, which includes active photographers, social media influencers and high-spending travellers, with half of divers spending more than US$1,200 on related activities.
The Beauty Diving initiative underscores Thailand’s commitment to sustainable dive tourism. It is also expected to raise awareness of Thailand’s diverse marine tourism assets, particularly dive sites in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, both of which are renowned for their natural beauty and strong conservation efforts.
