The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, proudly announced today that the Maldives has received prestigious awards at Japan’s Marine Diving Awards 2023.

Securing 3rd place in the "Best Area Overseas Division" and 2nd place in the "Best Overseas Destination I Want to Visit for the First Time" categories, the Maldives continues to be recognized as a top diving destination among Japanese enthusiasts.

The news was shared on social media platform X.

Japan's Marine Dive Fair, a prominent diving exhibition with a history of over 50 years, hosts the Marine Diving Awards.

Winners are determined through online voting by divers across Japan over a six-month period.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for April at the Marine Diving Fair 2024 in Ikebukuro,

Tokyo. Recognitions will be given to top destinations, diving shops, and instructors across eight categories, including "seas worth diving into," "seas to visit in the future," and "best diving shops."

Known for its rich marine biodiversity, the Maldives boasts 5% of the world’s coral reefs and over 2,000 marine species.

It is renowned as one of the few places where manta rays and whale sharks can be spotted year-round.

Japan holds significance as a key market for Maldivian tourism. Although it ranked as the ninth top market before the pandemic, recent data suggests a resurgence.

Currently, Japan holds the 15th position for tourist arrivals in the Maldives.