Asia Dive Expo attracted visitors from 39 countries

Strong turnout helps to affirm ADEX as Asia's key dive trading and networking platform.

Bangkok , 18 April 2005 – Organisers of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2005 announced today that the recent dive show attracted more than 6,000 participants from 39 countries, spanning Australia , China , Germany , Japan and the US .

ADEX, Asia 's largest international dive expo, provided its visitors with unique networking opportunities where industry members from 39 countries gathered under one roof to exchange ideas and industry news.

Organised by Suntec Integrated Media, Singapore, ADEX continues to provide exhibitors with new leads and key contacts. One of this year's exhibitors, Peter Waagensen from Dadriba commented, "being at ADEX this year has definitely made a difference for our company, as we have signed a lot more trade and also created a lot of advertising for ourselves.”

Another exhibitor who was very satisfied with the trade and networking opportunities provided by ADEX was Shin Ji, from Patima Underwater Image and Engineering Co. "We are extremely pleased with ADEX 2005. It is our first attempt in this international dive show and we met everyone we wanted to see! ADEX attracted quality visitors and buyers and I found five new local distributors. Our sales exceeded our budget by 200% during the show. We will definitely sign up for ADEX 2006 in Singapore with a bigger booth space."

ADEX is an excellent stage for industry players to announce their latest plans and collaboration with new partners. The International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) used ADEX 2005 as a platform to launch their latest training program. “We are very pleased with the many instructors and dive centers that showed interest during ADEX 2005. We received positive response from the public and have signed up more volunteers at the show. ADEX 2005 also provided a conducive environment to launch IAHD's first Pro Training in Thailand for the region,” said Klaas Brouwer, President, IAHD.

Deric Ellerby, Executive Director, BSAC International commented, “. As always the show was a busy platform for us to contact many old and new friends. ADEX provides us with a special regional focus, working alongside our Korean, Japanese, Malaysian and Singaporean colleagues, but this year sees significant developments for BSAC in China , India and Thailand . Congratulations to the SIM team on their superb organisation.”

ADEX 2005 was also a timely and appropriate platform for the organisers and visitors to play an active role in marine conservation efforts. Replicating its popular annual ADEX underwater photography competition , this year's theme, “Faces of The Ocean”, revealed the diverse “faces” of the marine world. Works submitted ranged from the majestic beauty of the sea focusing on symbiotic relationship of various marine life forms, to the tragic destruction of natural beauty through environmental degradation. The two categories were named, “Interaction” and “Ocean Alert” respectively. Winning entries were up on display during ADEX, with proud winners walking away with a total S$2,500, 3D/2N Resort Stay for 2 at Inner Maldives, Bali Dive package for 5D/4N plus 6 Dives with accommodation and SEA-DOO® SEASCOOTER™ VS SUPERCHARGED.

A Silent Auction was held where visitors could bid on dive equipment, travel packages, accessories and publications generously donated by exhibitors which included Kikisi Nature Resort, OceanNEnvironment Ltd & Michael Aw, DiveSilver, Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Cairns Dive Centre, Passions of Paradise, TAKA Dive Adventures, Ralf Tech Asia Pacific Ltd, Dadriba & Pinnacle Aquatics and Action Asia magazine.

Alongside the organisers' pledge to donate 100% of ADEX 2005 visitor admission tickets, together with collected funds raised during the Silent Auction, a total of more than 200,000 baht will be channeled to purchase dive equipment to assist EcoTourism Training Center 's start up in Khao Lak , Thailand .

EcoTourism Training Center aims to create jobs for displaced workers directly affected by the recent Tsunami disaster, which provides on the job training to create a new pool of 25 skilled and marketable talents each graduating term. The young Thai students will implement marketing initiatives to generate new tourism in the region, at the same time creating support for tourism businesses in the affected area. Roel van Leeuwen, Director of Suntec Integrated Media said, “we are glad to be able to assist in this commendable initiative. The dive equipment donated will be used to start this program and keep it going for future graduating students. On a macro scale, we see Thai tourism economy benefiting from it.”

ADEX 2005, the longest established international dive exhibition in Asia , was hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, endorsed by DEMA and supported by all major international dive industry associations, including BSAC, DAN, IANTD, IAHD, NAUI, PADI, SSI and SDI/TDI/ERDI. ADEX 2006 will take place in Singapore from 21 – 23 April in Suntec Singapore.

For more information, visit www.asiadiveexpo.com