doesn’t gather or standardize the data policymakers need to understand us. To solve the problem, Schuhbauer and her co-authors propose creating global monitoring systems for dive tourism, similar to existing systems for fisheries or forestry. If we are interested in a seat at the table when politicians and government regulators make decisions, that’s a call we must answer. The study also collected data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, many operators reported severe financial losses. However, others reported rebounds or even growth in recent years – highlighting the resilience of local markets and the pent-up demand for meaningful, ECO PRO continued Turning Insight into Income: Strategies to Leverage the Economic Impact of Dive Tourism For Retail Dive Stores: Market Conservation as a Core Value: Use eco-certifica- ▪ tions (e.g., Green Fins, Reef Check, REEF) as trust- builders. Incorporate conservation messaging into every open water course. Travel Bundling with Purpose: Create dive travel packages ▪ that support local conservation initiatives or include citizen science elements. Data for Influence: Partner with academic institutions or ▪ NGOs to track and report the impact of your divers on local marine environments. This enhances credibility and stakeholder leverage. For Dive Travel Wholesalers: Highlight the Local Impact: Position destinations not just ▪ by biodiversity, but by how dive tourism supports commu- nity livelihoods. Diversify Destination Portfolios: Include temperate zones ▪ and emerging dive locations with strong conservation and local employment track records. Create ‘Blue Economy Tours’: Themed itineraries that ex- ▪ plicitly connect divers with marine management programs, community-based MPAs, or sustainable seafood networks. For Dive Resorts and Liveaboards: Employ Locally, Train Globally: Promote local employ- ▪ ment statistics and training programs in marketing mate- rials. Today’s conscious traveler wants their vacation to make an impact. Offer Conservation Internships: Partner with NGOs to ▪ host visiting researchers or train guests in monitoring tech- niques – especially during the low season. Build Recovery Narratives: Highlight how your operation ▪ is bouncing back after COVID – focus on resilience, sus- tainability, and community involvement.
immersive travel. The COVID experience is a potent reminder that dive tourism doesn’t just endure adversity – it often innovates through it. But achieving long-term sustainability will re- quire more than determination. It calls for integration into wider economic and environmental plans, inclusive gover- nance that involves local operators, and adaptable strategies that see divers as both patrons and conservation partners. If you’re reading this as a dive instructor, shop owner, or travel planner, these numbers are more than trivia – they’re validation. They confirm that every course you teach, every trip you book, and every reef you protect isn’t just enriching lives – it’s also helping to strengthen a global tourism indus- try with extensive economic and ecological impacts. As we look to the future of our field, we must think big. Dive tourism can – and should – be a key driver in shaping
how humanity interacts with the ocean. But that won’t happen unless we promote our role, invest in our sustainability, and keep conserva- tion, equity, and local empowerment at the core of everything we do.
Alex’s links
Dive into Dr. Alex Brylske’s Book: BENEATH THE BLUE PLANET
“An in-depth resource to indulge our passion for diving.” – Wayne B. Brown, Owner & CEO, Aggressor Adventures
A fascinating look at our oceans, marine biology & more! Great for classrooms and every dive retailer’s library!
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