News
A statement from PADI CEO Drew Richardson
These are challenging times for everyone; especially those involved in diving and travel. We have received news from many individual Tour Operators and diving businesses who, although struggling themselves, are extending help to their clients and who will need all our support to get through the coming weeks and when travel bans are lifted.
Drew Richardson, PADI CEO has also made the following statement, pledging support for PADI Members, their health, and the health of their Dive Business:
“As President and CEO of the dive industry’s leading membership organization, I care deeply about the safety of our members, the safety of divers, and the health of your business. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting communities and businesses all over the world, especially those that are dependent on travel, and the dive industry is no exception. I want to assure you that our international network of PADI® Regional Teams remain committed to supporting PADI Professional, Retail and Resort Members during challenging times like these. We’re in this together.
I’ve authorized an immediate membership support package to help stimulate business, which is detailed out below.
PADI Launches Powerful New Customer Acquisition Campaign
First, we are launching a powerful PADI Open Water Diver acquisition campaign, called Start Your Adventure. In light of the current situation where people are traveling less, this campaign is focused on eLearning, so people can start their diving adventures at home, connected to our PADI Retail and Resort membership across the world.
Unprecedented Discount on PADI eLearning
To help increase PADI Dive Center and Resort success in receiving new customers from this marketing campaign, I’ve authorized a limited time offer of 20% OFF the wholesale price of PADI eLearning® courses (pricing is valid through 30 April 2020, some exclusions apply). By stocking up on PADI eLearning codes, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can pass these discounts on to customers to help drive demand to Start Your Adventure at Home with PADI eLearning. When the situation calms, which it eventually will, these dive students will head through your doors to complete their certification.
PADI Members: Contact your local PADI Regional Manager or Training Consultant to take advantage of your specially discounted eLearning codes.
PADI Ramps Up Commitment for Major Marketing Initiatives to Boost Your Business
Because demand is down, many organizations are pulling back to cut expenses during this time of disruption and uncertainty. As your advocate, my philosophy is to invest more now to launch global activations to highly-targeted audiences in domestic and resort markets. By using paid, earned and owned media, we’ll deliver an enhanced customer experience through new campaign materials, landing pages for non-divers and Discover Scuba® Diving (DSD) participants, driving these new leads directly to PADI Members. Download the Start Your Adventure toolkit.
Safety Recommendations and Precautions
The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented in many ways, making it dynamic and challenging to navigate and manage through for everybody around the world. On the PADI Pros Blog you can find suggestions and resources for preventative best practices – during dive and EFR training and in your routine dive activities – to address the fears and concerns that you and your students may be facing regarding this issue.
On behalf of the PADI Family, I want to thank you for your continued loyalty and support. I have found over the years that in the long run, we always emerge stronger after world events of this nature. In the short run, it is difficult to appreciate this reality. I encourage each of you to please remain vigilant and take prudent actions as recommended. Most importantly, there is power in the ability to stay optimistic. The global dive industry has weathered and prevailed through many challenges throughout the years. Our united resilience during these challenges shows that we have the strength and endurance to make it through this one, too. Be well and thank you for your membership and support.
Best personal regards,
Drew Richardson
President & CEO, PADI Worldwide.”
Find out more at www.padi.com.
Source: www.divenewswire.com
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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