News
Five resources to protect your Dive Business in the face of COVID-19
This statement from DEMA, the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association, is mostly relevant to US readers but there are also some useful ideas for all dive businesses:
With the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and the latest information that the effects of this National Emergency could continue into the summer, it is critical for dive retailers and all small dive businesses to stay in front of their customers and to utilize all the resources available to them.
DEMA suggests several resources from the federal government and from DEMA for Members to consider during this crisis.
STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE
Most important is the need for all to remain safe and follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines can be found on DEMA’s COVID-19 update page.
SBA DISASTER LOANS
The President has ordered that low-interest loans be made available to small businesses effective immediately from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in states affected by COVID-19. Congress has increased funding levels for these SBA Disaster Loans to $50 billion.
As of this writing, dive businesses in these states are eligible for these SBA Disaster Loans – businesses in the remaining states will be eligible when the Governor requests access to the SBA Disaster Loan funds. If your state has not yet requested access, you can send an email to the Governor requesting access by clicking here and asking the Governor to immediately request access to SBA Disaster Loans. An example email will populate the page for you, or you can include your own email verbiage.
Where SBA disaster loans are available, apply by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, or start the application process here. To find and access to your local SBA resources, click here. Don’t wait – these resources are finite and may take time to process.
POOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TEACHING FACILITIES
The federal government is recommending that people gather in groups of fewer than 10. If you are running classes, keep your classes small and utilize online instructional resources when available. You can also host online events for your customers to let them know more about diving, about upcoming sales, and more.
If possible, consider teaching CPR/first aid to keep customers coming back to your store. Classes can be kept small, and your training organization’s proper cleaning guidelines can help protect you and your customers.
When possible, consider local diving – this is healthy exercise, and it means being out in the fresh air while using proper social distancing and following appropriate safety guidelines. Keep your customers active using local underwater treasure or Easter egg hunts, dives from local charters, and other ideas that allow divers to participate until they can travel more extensively.
Keep your dive equipment clean. Divers Alert Network has issued guidelines for sanitizing dive equipment, which can be found here.
With schools closing, pool facilities for teaching scuba may become scarce. Some stores with pools are willing to share. You can find contact information for other nearby retail dive stores at GoDiveNow.com. Now is a good time for all of us to work together.
MARKETING
It is critical to continue being visible and relevant to your customers and communicate about your operation, talk about diving, and keep customers and local divers engaged. Time after time, those businesses that continue promoting their operations and services come out better and faster following a crisis when they have continued marketing.
DEMA Member businesses can keep their continuous marketing efforts up and keep their cost down by utilizing the FREE professionally designed marketing materials from the Go Dive Now Member Toolkit.
USE INEXPENSIVE, TARGETED SOCIAL MEDIA ADS FOR OUTREACH
DEMA Member Retail Stores can stay in front of potential customers by receiving a FREE chart of local zip codes which contain the greatest number of target households with the highest per capita income who are good candidates for interest in learning or continuing to dive. These zip codes are ideal for targeting on social media, using Go Dive Now materials, free to DEMA Members.
DEMA will continue to provide access to guidance as more resources become available. If you have questions, please contact info@dema.org.
Source: www.divenewswire.com
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.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
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.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
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!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
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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