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DRT SHOW Hong Kong 2025 Successfully Concludes, Achieving Visitor Growth While Maintaining Stable Scale and Strengthening Links Between the International Diving Market and Chinese-Speaking Diving Communities
DRT SHOW Hong Kong 2025 successfully concluded on 14 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 5G. While maintaining a stable exhibition scale in terms of exhibitor numbers and floor area, overall visitor attendance showed year-on-year growth, reflecting sustained interest in diving and ocean-related lifestyles within the regional market. The show further reinforced Hong Kong’s role as an important hub for diving industry exchange in Asia.
Over the three-day event, the exhibition brought together diving equipment brands, dive travel operators, training systems, underwater imaging creators, and ocean-culture organisations from different countries and regions. Divers, industry professionals, and stakeholders attended throughout the show, contributing to a steady and active exchange environment on site.
DRT SHOW Hong Kong has long been recognised for its high level of international participation and strong regional connectivity. This year’s exhibition welcomed dive tourism organisations and related brands from Maldives, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Japan, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, showcasing a wide range of marine environments and diving cultures.
At the same time, diving-related brands and organisations from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan also actively participated, further positioning the Hong Kong show as a key platform connecting the international diving market with Chinese-speaking diving communities. The diverse exhibitor composition continued to highlight Hong Kong’s role as a regional hub within the Asian dive show ecosystem.
DRT SHOW Hong Kong 2025 was supported by the participation of multiple official tourism promotion authorities, including the Philippines Department of Tourism, Okinawa Tourism, Taiwan Tourism Administration, and Palau Visitors Authority. Beyond on-site booths, these organisations engaged in direct exchanges, thematic introductions, and industry discussions, systematically presenting their dive resources, marine ecosystems, and dive tourism development strategies.
The presence of official tourism authorities elevated the exhibition beyond a purely commercial platform, extending dialogue to destination promotion and industry-level communication. Through face-to-face interaction with diving brands, dive centres, training systems, content creators, and divers, tourism authorities gained direct insights into market demand and community trends, while also establishing more direct communication channels between destinations and the market.
To express appreciation for their long-term commitment to promoting dive tourism and ocean culture, the organiser presented commemorative awards to the participating tourism authority representatives during the show. This gesture symbolised the continued strengthening of collaboration between DRT SHOW and official institutions, underscoring the exhibition’s role as a bridge connecting public authorities, industry stakeholders, and the diving community.
A wide range of new diving products and technological applications were presented on site, covering diving equipment, accessories, and related products, allowing visitors to gain first-hand insight into current market developments.
In addition, the Scuba Museum themed zone offered a historical perspective through the display of legacy equipment, archival images, and reference materials. This zone traced the evolution of diving technology and practice, enabling visitors to better understand the historical context of today’s industry innovations.
Throughout the exhibition, a series of professional talks and stage sessions were held, covering topics such as diving experience sharing, underwater photography, dive travel trends, and broader industry observations. Speakers with extensive field experience shared practical insights and case studies, providing a dedicated platform for professional knowledge and experience exchange.
The UWPC (Underwater Photo Challenge), jointly organised by DRT SHOW and the professional diving media EZDIVE Magazine, is positioned as a high-level underwater photography competition.
Finalist and winning images from this year’s UWPC were exhibited on site, alongside an official award ceremony. All awarded works were selected by a jury of experienced professional underwater photographers, based on criteria including technical execution, composition, thematic expression, and visual storytelling. The exhibition highlighted the depth and quality of contemporary underwater photography.
Through its exhibition and awards presentation, UWPC continues to serve as an important showcase platform for professional photographers while reinforcing DRT SHOW’s professional standing in the underwater imaging field.
In contrast to the professional competition format of UWPC, the Ocean Stars Photo Gallery is designed as an open exhibition platform encouraging participation from photography enthusiasts of all levels. From first-time underwater shooters to experienced image-makers, contributors shared their perspectives and personal connections with the ocean through their work.
Displayed works were open to on-site visitor voting, with the most popular images selected by public choice. This participatory approach transformed visitors from viewers into active participants and provided creators with direct audience feedback, fostering a more inclusive and interactive environment for underwater imaging.
As a recurring feature of DRT SHOW, the Ocean Market brought together ocean-themed creative brands, illustrations, handcrafted products, and lifestyle goods. The market extended diving and ocean culture beyond professional contexts, integrating it into everyday life and attracting audiences from diverse backgrounds.
