Asia Dive News : Malaysian tourism board targets Hong Kong divers

Tourism Malaysia has targeted Hong Kong’s scuba diving enthusiasts with a campaign promoting the country’s scuba diving attributes. At a function in Hong Kong last week, representatives from the Tourism Malaysia office in Hong Kong were joined by the Malaysian Consul General and dive operators from Sabah, as well as Olympic swimmer Alex Fong, to promote Malaysia’s off-shore diving islands.

Although the campaign is focused on the Hong Kong and Macau market, it is also expected to bring in additional visitors from Southern China, who use Macau as a departure gateway to Malaysia.

Malaysia is in the heart of one of the richest marine bio-diversity areas on the planet and offers a unique combination of marine life and leisure attractions.

Swimmer Alex Fong, who has been named 2008 Malaysia Diving Ambassador to Hong Kong and Macau, spent some time touring key diving locations. “Malaysia is a true paradise for divers. My trip to the country’s amazing underwater world was a real eye-opener.”

“We believe the participation of Alex will further promote the popular water sports in Hong Kong, especially among those who appreciate the high proximity to Malaysia and its wondrous marine landscape,” continued Zainuddin.

“Malaysia is one of the top diving destinations in Asia for Hong Kong tourists,” said Consul General of Malaysia, Cheong Loon Lai. “Tens of thousands of visitors from Hong Kong travelled to Malaysia last year to enjoy its unique diving environment."

As part of the campaign, a series of fly/dve packages have been released, in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia partners Malaysia Airlines and Golden Holidays. These include diving courses for beginners as well as diving and accommodation options in Langkawi, Tioman Island, Redang Island and Sipadan Isand.

The diving campaign is a destination specific campaign conducted by the Hong Kong office of Tourism Malaysia and it is not known if a similar campaign will be taken up by tourism authorities in Australia.

Source: Travel Blackboard