ECO PRO Charting the Blue: The Role of Dive Tourism in the Ocean Economy – by Alex Brylske, Ph.D., President, Ocean Education International, LLC
For those of us who make our living beneath the waves – whether teaching, guiding, managing dive centers, or sell- ing travel – it’s not just a career; it’s a calling and a front-row seat to both the fragility and resilience of the
spending profiles of divers (which, according to studies, is often twice that of non-divers). Bottom line: the actual numbers are likely even higher. Aside from the economic benefits, there are also the often-discussed “intangible” benefits of diving – such as how it enhances environmental awareness, builds commu- nity, and connects people with nature. The study confirms this, as most surveyed operators reported participating in local, regional, or national conservation efforts, and many said they would do more if given the chance. Operators were also asked about ecological changes over the past decade. Unsurprisingly, many – especially those in tropical regions – reported declines in biodiversity, coral cover, or water quality. However, positive trends also ap- peared: from kelp forest regeneration to improved reef health, where tourism had replaced destructive fishing prac- tices. This dual lens – economic potential and conservation en- gagement – positions the dive industry uniquely within the
ocean we cherish. But until now, we lacked a reliable world- wide estimate of what dive tourism truly contributes eco- nomically. We’ve relied on scattered national data, case studies, and the intuitive sense that diving has some positive impact on coastal economies. Now, a new study published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability leaves no doubt: div- ing is more than just a niche – it’s an economically signifi- cant force in global tourism. According to the research team led by Anna Schuhbauer and colleagues from institutions including the University of British Columbia and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, dive tourism generates between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion USD annually when both direct and indirect expenditures
are considered. And that does not include revenue from related in- dustries like equipment manufac- turing, dive media, or diver training. The industry supports up to 124,000 jobs worldwide – most of them in popular diving locations. In addition, about 80 percent of dive center staff are local resi- dents, emphasizing dive tourism’s potential as a tool for local com- munity development and eco- nomic growth – a key part of truly sustainable tourism. What’s even more remarkable is
“Blue Economy” framework pro- moted by the United Nations. Un- like large-scale coastal tourism, which is often extractive and dis- ruptive, dive tourism often bal- ances economic benefits with stewardship. That’s not by chance nor altruism; it’s because the health of marine ecosystems is the lifeblood of our industry. Another key message of the study is how underrepresented the diving industry is in marine spatial planning, such as creating Marine Protected Areas, and national eco- nomic strategies relating to tourism
Source: The Journal Cell Reports Sustainability, 2025
that these numbers come from a deliberately conservative model. The researchers used survey responses from over 400 operators across 81 countries, combined with secondary data and a statistical method called meta-analysis to fill in regional gaps. And before you think this is just another “ivory tower egghead’s” study inapplicable to diving, their estimates focused only on spending for dive certifications, trips, and gear rentals. Lodging, food, and local transport were based on typical tourist spending, not the higher
and environmental regulation. Although beach tourism and cruise travel often dominate political discussions, diving and ecotourism, more broadly, are seldom considered, despite being more resilient, more sustainable, and more deeply rooted in local communities. Part of this invisibility or lack of representation is struc- tural. Dive centers are usually small to medium-sized busi- nesses. Many operate informally or lack global branding. However, another aspect can be fixed: our industry still
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