Bechesrrak added in her letter that according to the China Daily News, compared to last year, certified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) hotels across China are experiencing an increasing number of individuals registering to take scuba lessons. Diving has become one of the fastest growing sporting hobbies in China.
“Palau should start looking into the tourism market in China, in ten years time it will become one of the world’s largest diving market,” Bechesrrak said in her letter to Alexander. “Most of the Chinese and European visitors that come to our Palau Pavilion have heard, read, or been to Palau; and one thing they say about Palau is that it has the untouched beauty both on land and sea.”
The Palau Pavilion Staff continues to promote Palau’s culture and tourism sites to visitors at the World Expo in Shanghai. The World Expo 2010 is ongoing from May 1 to October 31 this year. All 15 participating Pacific Island Countries have one Pacific Pavilion to showcase their country and culture.
“So far the result of the July presentation is very good,” Bechesrrak said. “It has in many ways impressed our visitors of the untouched beauty of the Pacific region.”
The staff’s usual presentation at the World Expo includes introduction of the island, where it is located, how to get there, what are the activities both on land and sea, its government, culture/traditions, visa requirement and accommodations.
“The Pavilion Staff are working hard not just as staff but also as entertainers, ambassadors and promoters of Palau in China,” Alexander said. “They also perform cultural dances and practices to educate the Chinese people of the cultural practices in Palau, hoping to spark their interest to come as tourists.”
On October 23, Palau will celebrate its National Day. And according to Alexander, the Bureau of Arts and Culture is forming a delegation of dancers, singers and key officials to visit China to celebrate the day.
Anyone who wants to visit Shanghai and the World Expo may contact Alexander to work out travel details.
“Those who wish to go outside of the official Palau delegation will have to bear their own costs, but traveling as a group might lower the cost of travel,” Alexander explained.
