Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2003 opens in Bangkok

One of Asia's largest diving exhibitions, Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2003 will start today at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, and run until 11 May. Over 60,000 dive lovers are expected to flock into the show.

The show is hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with support from the Dive Equipment & Marketing Association.

"This year the organizing committee has again chosen Thailand as the venue for ADEX 2003. Thailand last hosted a very successful ADEX show  in 2000. TAT aims to promote the country as a world-class dive spot and dive center in the region," said TAT governor Juthamas Siriwan.

82 dive operators from 17 international countries will showcase some of the best diving products and services, including equipments, tours, training programs, etc. There will also be educational seminars about diving trends and underwater photography.

TAT will join the event with presentations of some of the worlds finest diving spots from five popular Thai destinations, Phuket, Samui, Pattani, Rayong, Chanthabuti and Trat.

The show targets both trade and consumers and  the admission fee is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. It is estimated that 60,000 people will visit the show over the three days, generating about THB 100 million in cash flow.

TAT estimated that in 2001 around 100,000 visitors came to Thailand for diving with an average daily expenditure of 9,000 baht per person, generating about THB 1,000 million bath in total revenue.