News
Caribbean tourism stakeholders work to protect and regrow coral reefs
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Recognizing the environmental and economic value of healthy coral reefs, and the dangers posed by warmer oceans and more intense hurricanes, a group of tourism-focused organizations have joined forces to help protect and regenerate Caribbean reefs.
The nonprofit Tourism Cares, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and the Grupo Puntacana Foundation in the Dominican Republic have partnered on a Coral Restoration Capacity Building Project to assist three Caribbean destinations which suffered serious reef damage from the devastating storms of 2017.
Two individuals each from Dominica, the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands recently spent a week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, completing a Coral First Aid Certification training program. Additional individuals from the affected territories will now be trained by these graduates to assist with major restoration efforts.
Marine scientists have confirmed that coral reefs, which make up only one percent of the ocean floor but support 25 percent of marine life, have declined in the Caribbean by as much as 50 to 80 percent in 30 years.
“CHTA, through our affiliate Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), has a longstanding working relationship with the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and we’re delighted to be able to draw upon the Foundation’s expertise to provide this training,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s CEO and director general.
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The Caribbean team on assignment in Punta Cana.
The Grupo Puntacana Foundation’s President Frank Rainieri was a founder of CAST and served as its first Chairman in 1997. The Foundation, with its own Center for Marine Innovation, has more than 14 years of experience in coral restoration. Having one of the largest coral nurseries in the Caribbean positions it as a leading coral gardening training institution.
“We have an environmental responsibility to regenerate these natural treasures because without reefs, there would be fewer beautiful beaches and without our beaches fewer tourists would visit, so coral gardening is both an ecological imperative as well as a significant economic driver for our region,” Comito stated.
Jake Kheel, vice president for the Grupo Punta Cana’s Corporate Environmental Programs, noted that the Foundation is “pleased to have this opportunity to share with our Caribbean colleagues best practice techniques for reef restoration”. He asserted that in addition to the regional environmental and economic impact of coral reefs, they also play a key role in the global ecosystem.
Paula Vlamings, CEO of Tourism Cares, believes this “smart partnership” between major organizations is crucial for hurricane impacted destinations: “We thank all the supporters of the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund who made the sharing of resources possible.”
Argel Horton and Emily Graff (British Virgin Islands); Augustus Bernard and Donna Mitchell (Dominica); and Logan Michelle and Jason Quetel (US Virgin Islands) took part in the training program.
While in the Dominican Republic, the participants interacted with world expert in coral restoration Dr David Vaughan, who is from the Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys. Vaughan instructed participants on a new methodology of coral restoration known as micro-fragmentation, which he developed to reverse coral degradation through its rapid regeneration and transplanting onto dead reefs.
Upon completion of the Coral First Aid Certification these graduates are now able to, among other skills, identify, construct and prepare at least two different types of nursery propagation platforms; set up new nurseries; properly attach coral fragments for propagation; perform regular maintenance; collect performance data using established standardized procedures; and properly harvest and transport coral fragments and colonies.
Visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com to find out more.
News
Pro Dive International Announces New Openings in Mexico
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The dive company will open new centres in Southern Cozumel Marina Park, at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa.
Pro Dive International, a leading name in the diving industry and a multi-award-winning PADI Five Star Dive Center, is thrilled to announce its new facilities at two of Cozumel’s premier resorts: Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa. This expansion marks another milestone in Pro Dive International’s mission to deliver world-class diving experiences in the Caribbean.
Unparalleled Diving Experiences in Cozumel
Cozumel is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for divers worldwide. With the addition of these new concessions, Pro Dive International will offer guests at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa exclusive access to:
- Guided reef dives at world-famous sites like Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall.
- PADI certification courses for beginners and advanced divers alike.
- Specialty dives, including night dives, drift dives, and underwater photography excursions.
- Eco-friendly diving practices aligned with Pro Dive International’s commitment to marine conservation.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 2003, Pro Dive International has grown from a small dive center in Puerto Aventuras to a Caribbean diving powerhouse with 16 locations across Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The company’s dedication to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship has earned it numerous accolades, including the PADI Green Star Award, (former) National Geographic awards, and recognition from Scuba Diving Magazine as best overall dive center in the Caribbean and Atlantic, among others.
“We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for diving to the guests of Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa,” said Markus Fleischmann, President and Founder of Pro Dive International. “Cozumel is a diver’s paradise, and we look forward to sharing its underwater wonders with even more adventurers.”
About Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel: A family-friendly, all-inclusive resort located on the pristine shores of Cozumel, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa: A luxurious, adults-only retreat known for its stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and serene atmosphere.
Both resorts now feature Pro Dive International’s services directly on site, ensuring guests have seamless access to unforgettable underwater experiences.
Commitment to Sustainability
Pro Dive International continues to lead the way in sustainable diving practices. The company actively participates in reef conservation initiatives, marine life protection programs, and eco-friendly diving operations. Guests diving with Pro Dive International can feel confident that their adventures are contributing to the preservation of Cozumel’s marine ecosystems.
Book Your Dive Today
Diving enthusiasts and first-time explorers are invited to book their underwater adventures, including hotel accommodation, with Pro Dive International at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa. For more information, visit www.prodiveinternational.com, email info@prodiveinternational.com, through whatsapp +52 984 745 0763, or contact the dive centers directly at the resorts.
About Pro Dive International
Pro Dive International is a PADI Five Star Dive Center operating in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Founded in 2003, the company is known for its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental conservation, with currently 16 locations at coveted 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO, and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. With it´s team of multilingual professionals, Pro Dive International offers unforgettable diving experiences for adventurers of all levels, such as CENOTES diving, diving with BULL SHARKS, diving wrecks and famous walls at COZUMEL, as well as Snorkeling Safaris with WHALE SHARKS & SAILFISH.
Pro Dive International has a multilingual team available to take reservations for diving, hotel accommodation, transfers and cultural tours, provides services to international travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.
Also, Pro Dive offers FREE NITROX at all of its locations (based on availability).
News
Go Diving Show 2025 Main Stage Speaker: Dr. Timmy Gambin
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Prof Timmy Gambin is an Associate Professor in Maritime Archaeology at the Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta, and he has been at the forefront of expeditions to undiscovered wrecks and ancient sites for many years – he will be taking you on a trip behind the scenes of some of the latest research on the Main Stage at the GO Diving Show in March.
Prof Gambin graduated in History from this University and went on to attain his Masters in Maritime Archaeology and History from the University of Bristol, where he also got his doctorate in Maritime Archaeology. He has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects, and has also co-directed numerous offshore underwater surveys in various parts of the Mediterranean.
The Virtual Museum
Timmy is the initiator and director of the The Virtual Museum – Underwater Malta. Underwater cultural heritage sites are out of sight and more often than not out of mind. The reason for this situation is simple – the physical barrier created by the sea itself. To date, only divers or people in submarines are able to visit these historic time capsules. There still exist limitations brought about by depth, remoteness and legislation.
In fact, one of the central principles of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage is that ‘State Parties shall promote public awareness regarding the value and importance of underwater cultural heritage’, a principle that is fully endorsed by The Virtual Museum – Underwater Malta. This online platform brings underwater cultural heritage to the surface and into the homes of the general public.
Using 3D, virtual reality and other media, the aim of this website is to provide access to and share Malta’s unique underwater cultural heritage with all members of the public.
The Phoenician Shipwreck Project
In 2007, during an offshore remote sensing survey aimed at mapping Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage, a small anomaly was noted in the sonar data.
Since then, the University of Malta, in collaboration with a number of international partners, have been studying what turned out to be one of the most intriguing recent underwater archaeological discoveries.
Situated at a depth of 110m off Xlendi Bay in Gozo, the Phoenician shipwreck consists of an intact and well-preserved mixed cargo datable to the 7th century BC. The mixed contents of stone and ceramic objects are shedding light on the economic history and trade networks of the Central Mediterranean during the Archaic period.
In addition to the archaeological benefits – including the study of hitherto unknown ceramic typologies as well as a wide variety of scientific tests in the post-excavation phases – this site presents other challenges and opportunities regards methodologies and access, as well as the communication of such a site.
You can find out more on the Phoenician Shipwreck Project here, and the The Virtual Museum here.
Go Diving Show 2025 takes place at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, on the 1st -2nd March.
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