11/04/2025

FRIDAY | APR 11, 2025

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LYFE

S OUTHEAST Asia continues to attract divers with its rich marine life and breathtak ing underwater landscapes, according to Agoda’s 2025 Scuba Deals Survey, which highlights the preferences and motivations of scuba diving enthusiasts across Asia. From dream destinations to travel budgets, the survey revealed trends shaping the underwater travel scene and the region’s prominence as a scuba diving haven. 0 Malaysians appreciate home waters Indonesia tops the list as the most desired scuba diving destination among Asian travellers, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and stunning coral reefs. It leads a ranking that also includes the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, collectively showcasing the region’s rich underwater appeal. At the same time, Malaysian divers recognise the beauty of their own marine treasures, ranking Malaysia as their top diving destination, ahead of Indonesia, Thailand, the

Underwater adventures Affordability is key when booking hotels among divers.

Philippines and Vietnam.

o Malaysians favour local dive spots

0 Underwater

relaxation

is

prime travel motivation For many divers, the ocean offers a sanctuary for stress relief. Nearly 30% of respondents cited relaxation as their primary reason for diving, with this motivation being particularly present among divers from the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Exploring marine life also ranks high as a motivating factor, with 24% of divers drawn primarily to the allure of ocean creatures. 0 Affordability is priority, but budgets are bigger While affordability is ranked by respondents as the most important factor when choosing accommodation for the trip, divers are willing to spend more on their underwater adventures. Two-fifths (40%) of respondents reported spending 15–30% more on scuba trips compared with regular vacations. 0 Typical scuba trip lasts four to seven days Short getaways dominate the scuba travel scene, with nearly 48% of divers preferring trips lasting four to seven days. Weekend trips

Divers cite relaxation as the primary reason for a scuba holiday. – PICS FROM PEXELS

are also popular for 41% of respondents. This highlights the appeal of quick, immersive experiences that fit into busy schedules. 0 Reefs are preferred dive sites Reef diving is the top choice for underwater explorers, with 75% of respondents expressing interest in these areas. The rich ecosystems and

They can also provide catering services for in-house festive gatherings and banquets. • Showcasing halal credentials With growing demand for halal-compliant travel options, ensuring there are offerings such as halal food, and prayer facilities will attract a broader audience. Prominently display certifications will also verify your adherence to halal standards. • Commitment to community and inclusivity Highlight your dedication to inclusion and community. For example, Muslim travellers during this season value brands that resonate with their cultural and ethical principles. Hotels should showcase real guest experiences and community initiatives, reinforcing brand values. By conducting cultural training for hospitality staff, hoteliers promote cultural understanding, which will resonate with travellers such as the Muslim demographic. The platform surveyed 850 scuba divers from 11 markets (Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) in February 2025. colourful coral formations of Asia’s reefs continue to captivate divers, reinforcing their status as must visit sites for marine enthusiasts.

Reef diving is a favourite among divers.

Raya travel trends

AS the Hari Raya holiday ends, Agoda has tracked an almost 80% month-on month increase in accommodation searches from travellers in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore for this year’s festive period. For those operating in the travel

sector, it is also a critical peak period that offers plenty of opportunities to deliver services tailored to the needs of Muslim travellers during this period. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2024, over 70% of the global Muslim population is under 40 years old. This younger and tech-savvy demographic has higher disposable income and is eager to travel, representing a major market for halal-compliant services. Key insights on Hari Raya travel trends 0 Thailand and Japan lead the way as the top two most-searched destinations among travellers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 0 China, South Korea and Taiwan complete the top five. 0 Bangkok steals the spotlight as the most-searched destination, followed by Tokyo and Seoul. 0 Hong Kong secures the fourth spot, while Taipei rounds out the top five.

Japan is one of the top destinations during the Raya holidays. – PEXELSPIC

What does this means for hoteliers? • Family friendly packages Preparing packages or making it easy to search for large group options will support booking conversions. Enhancing guest experience with specialised concierge services that arrange local cultural tours, family friendly transportation and personalised recommendations to

suit a diverse age group as well as diverse cultural interests. • Elevating dining and in-house celebrations Hotels can seize this opportunity by offering exclusive festive-themed such as Hari Raya dining experiences within their restaurants. This includes specially curated menus and family meal packages.

Prominently display halal certification to put Muslim travellers at ease.

– PIC FROM FACEBOOK @NAZRANABDMUTALIB