Male’, Maldives, 16th April 2024 – The Maldives has once again solidified its position as a top diving destination, receiving esteemed accolades in the “Marine Diving Awards 2023.” Organized by Japan’s largest comprehensive diving fair, the Marine Dive Fair, these awards recognize outstanding destinations, instructors, and diving shops based on online votes from divers across Japan.
In the recently announced results, the Maldives secured 3rd place in the “Best Area Overseas Division” category and an impressive 2nd place in the “Best Overseas Destination I Want to Visit for the First Time” category. This recognition underscores the Maldives’ allure as a premier diving destination, attracting divers from around the world with its breathtaking underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.
The Marine Dive Fair, a prominent event in Japan’s diving community for over 50 years, serves as a platform to showcase the latest trends and innovations in the diving industry. The Marine Diving Awards, determined through a six-month voting period, provide valuable insights for both experienced divers and those considering diving in the future.
The Maldives’ success in these awards is attributed to its exceptional underwater ecosystems, boasting approximately 5% of the world’s coral reefs and over 2,000 marine species. Divers visiting the Maldives have the opportunity to explore hundreds of diving sites teeming with vibrant corals and fascinating marine creatures, including manta rays and whale sharks, which can be observed year-round.
Japan holds significant importance for the Maldives’ tourism industry, being one of its top tourist markets. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the Maldives has witnessed a remarkable increase in Japanese tourist arrivals, with a 310% rise compared to the same period last year. This surge in arrivals reflects Japan’s growing interest in the Maldives as a preferred travel destination.
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board expresses gratitude for the recognition received in the Marine Diving Awards and reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional diving experiences while preserving the natural beauty of its marine environment. As the Maldives continues to captivate divers worldwide, it remains dedicated to sustainable tourism practices that ensure the preservation of its underwater treasures for future generations to enjoy.
