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CHATA: The position of diving operators on Curaçao needs to be strengthened
As a result of the Dive World Café facilitated by Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) and Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB) earlier this year, the Curacao Dive Task Force by CHATA have produced an Economic Impact Study of the Diving Industry of Curaçao, together with Jerry Beaty and Linda Wulf of Dive Training Magazine.
A survey was sent out to 40+ dive centers in Curaçao and the results were collected and processed. In total, 19 dive centers responded, which is considered above the industry and research average of qualified data. These dive operators are all in direct contact with tourists and have given CHATA and the team a comprehensive view of the way this industry works.
The Study recorded many interesting facts:
Monthly diving lessons
Every month, more than 1,813 people in Curaçao receive diving lessons. In addition to the sessions for tourists, lessons are also given to the local visitor. More than 1,200 people follow an introductory lesson, more than 300 people take classes in open waters, 124 people receive advanced lessons and between 100 and 150 people attend specialized diving courses. The rescue lessons, which are also given at different diving locations, should not be forgotten. Snorkeling is also extremely popular within our diving industry. Recent studies have shown that more than 1,591 people go snorkeling on a monthly basis as part of their holiday in Curaçao.
On average, 3,751 diving lessons are given on a monthly basis, with the tourist choosing diving as part of a tour or accommodation package. These sessions are subdivided into ‘tank boat dives’ and ‘tank shore dives’ with one or two diving tanks. Every diver always uses one and a half tank. All operators together rent approximately 4,596 tanks monthly. Each month, 3,064 dive sessions without guidance take place; the tourist dives on his own and fills the tank at the operator. In total, 6,815 diving sessions are carried out monthly, including snorkeling. Figures collected by the CHATA Dive Task Force show that about 227 diving sessions take place on Curaçao every day. This number is increased to 340 when the snorkeling sessions are added.
Jobs
Roll up the sleeves! This industry provides a large number of jobs. Research among the participants shows that the diving industry in Curaçao provides about 322 jobs; the full-timers are the largest group, followed by the instructors (104), the part-time employees, captain and other employees.
Monthly income: Retail
Research carried out by the CHATA Dive Task Force also shows that the diving industry generates approximately $195,000 in retail every month. This amount includes the sale of diving and swimming equipment and everything a diver needs to properly exercise the sport- these can be purchased at the dive operator. They even sell souvenirs! About 45.5% of the tourists who visit Curaçao and who include diving in their ‘things to do’, want to stay in large hotels, 22% at smaller hotels, 14.8% at apartments rented to tourists, 13.8% have a private accommodation and 3.9% is unknown. The tourists vary from country of residence; 34% come from North America, 42% from the Netherlands, 12% from Germany and 12% from South America.
Annual figures
CHATA is convinced that the diving industry has great potential. The daily investment of every diver is about $100. This means that the sector generates approximately $12,410,000 (NAFL 22,089,800) annually. The diver spends an average of $150 daily on accommodation, leading up to $14,499,625 yearly. Figures collected indicate that the diver spends about $ 100 on food and beverage; another $12,410,000 annually. When diving lessons, accommodation, food and beverage, car rental, the sale of equipment and airport tax are added together, we concluded that the diving industry contributes with approximately $41,319,914 annually to the local economy.
According to Miles Mercera, President and CEO of CHATA the contribution of the diving and snorkeling industry to our economy is huge:
“We have to take advantage of all the opportunities that this industry has to offer. We propose to promote Curaçao as a diving destination as well. There are still many people who are not aware of the undersea splendor of our island. CHATA wants to emphasize the efforts and contribution of the dive operators to our economy. It is important to protect the dive sites and to ensure a sustainable growth of this industry. The same way the operators take part in certification programs to raise their service level, CHATA urges the government to come up with initiatives and legislation that would change and strengthen the position of the dive operators. As the recent studies have shown, their contribution to the Curaçao economy is of great value.”
Please click here to access the complete report.
Find out more about the Curaçao Dive Task Force at www.curacao-dive.com
For more information about the Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Association (CHATA) visit www.chata.org.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Turtle & Ray Productions HD
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
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This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
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This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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