Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently entered into a new strategic partnership with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). With the core concept of "Healing is the New Luxury," the partnership will deeply integrate world-class diving experiences with wellness, marine conservation, and long-term value, further solidifying Thailand's position as a top global diving destination.
This alliance will establish scuba diving as a core element of Thailand's quality tourism agenda through a global content and media promotion plan. It will integrate adventure experiences, ecological restoration, and marine conservation, enhancing Thailand's appeal to long-haul, high-value tourists and bringing tangible benefits to coastal community development and marine ecosystem protection.
Santi Sawancharon, Executive Director of the Americas, Middle East, and Africa for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that Thailand is focusing on creating tourism projects that combine in-depth experiences, wellness, and long-term value. This collaboration with PADI, positioning diving as a high-end wellness experience, aligns with the global trend of "Healing is the New Luxury" and strengthens responsible tourism practices, further enhancing Thailand's competitiveness in the international market, particularly the US market.
As a key player in the global diving industry, Thailand has built a mature network of diving operations, instructor training, and environmental practices over the past 50 years. In the past 25 years, Thailand has issued over 2.5 million PADI diving certificates and is projected to become the second-highest number of PADI certifications issued globally and a top training base for diving instructors by 2025. Currently, Thailand boasts nine PADI Eco Centres certified by the United Nations Coral Reef World Foundation, spearheads PADI's global shark and ray conservation courses and surveys, and has certified three accessible diving facilities, ensuring the diving rights of people with varying abilities.
Christine Valette Worth, PADI's Global Brand and Membership Officer, pointed out that Thailand has a profound influence on the global diving community. This collaboration is both a recognition of its decades-long industry reputation and a joint effort to make Thailand a more meaningful diving destination, allowing tourists to contribute to marine conservation while enjoying adventures. Thomas Knederlick, Vice President of PADI Asia Pacific, also stated that Thailand's abundant diving resources and professional diving service experience make this collaboration a celebration of industry achievements and a commitment to future development. To further promote the initiative, both parties will invite international creative figures such as filmmaker Pearson Oglesby and Thai photographer and PADI Ambassador diver Pierre Nilandara to collaborate with Black Turtle Diving Company to explore Koh Tao, highlighting the unique charm of this global hub for diving training and marine conservation. Award-winning international journalists will also participate in an immersive experience, being among the first to experience Krabi's Fast Manta three-day charity diving program. They will participate in activities such as coral reef conservation, marine debris cleanup, and shark and ray research, and through customized accommodations at top resorts like Varana Krabi Hotel, they will connect with traditional Thai health and wellness concepts to create a comprehensive "diving + healing" experience.
This collaboration not only solidifies Thailand's leading position in responsible diving tourism but also achieves a harmonious integration of sustainable economic value, environmental protection, and high-quality travel experiences, aligning perfectly with Thailand's long-term tourism development strategy. For more details on Thai diving experiences, please visit: thailandinsider.com/experience/diving-snorkeling.
