Maldives’ first ever international boat and dive show is set to witness the participation of more than 50 dive operators and media representatives from all across the globe, organisers have announced.
Organised by local PR and marketing firm Maldives Getaways, the first edition of the Maldives International Boat, Dive and Water Sports Show will take place from March 22-23, 2018 in the satellite town of Hulhumale.
In a statement, Maldives Getaways said in addition to the 100 vessels that are expected to be on show at the event, relevant media, manufacturers, travel companies and liveaboards are expected to take centre stage at the show. Marine industry giants such as boat builders, civil engineers, safety and security personnel, transport regulators, suppliers and insurance providers and also expected to be present at the show, it added.
“Maldives Getaways continues to make advancements to host the first ever International Boat & Dive Show…,” the statement read.
“While their goal is on making the Boat and Dive Show the first ever international event of such magnitude, they have set their sights on competing with the Singapore Yacht and Dive Show.”
The event dates fall directly between The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) and The Singapore Yacht Show, giving boats of all sizes a scenic view of the Maldives. Special floating platforms are to be built to create a temporary marina for the docking of more than 100 vessels that are to be showcased at the event.
According to Maldives Getaways, the Boat and Dive Show will also host a professional divers conference and a marine industry professionals’ forum. The first ever Diver Summit will see diving professionals and potential stakeholders come together to discuss the future of dive tourism in the Maldives, whereas the Marine Industry Forum will bring together marine specialists from all backgrounds to discuss pressing issues and future of boating as well as positioning the Maldives as a fully-fledged boating destination, the firm said.
“Places like Singapore and Dubai already host their own dive and boat shows. With the current growth in the tourism industry, there’s a need for the Maldives to have a dive and boat show of its own. We believe that the Maldives International Boat and Dive Show will create immense networking opportunities,” Abdulla Nashaath, a Director at the firm, was quoted in the statement as saying.
Maldives Getaways also publishes Divemv, which is the only dedicated dive magazine in the Maldives. The magazine, developed solely for the purpose of promoting the Maldives as a dive destination, is published in English with a total of 3,000 copies printed and freely distributed to all interested parties across the globe, including suppliers, travel agents and other businesses.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one thrilling dive opportunity after another. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
The dive show is a welcome addition to the range of events organised by Maldives Getaways to promote the Maldives tourism industry. The firm is currently gearing up to hold the first edition of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the first international travel trade show in the Maldives, in July.