News
Dive Tourism Pioneers Honored by Cayman Government at Heroes Ceremony
Other dive industry professionals recognized for long service to the Cayman Islands tourism product
Dive and hospitality pioneers Bob Soto and Ms. Hebe Connors (Briggs) were honored by the Cayman Islands government as early tourism heroes in a January celebration in George Town’s Heroes Square. Several hundred people were recognized as tourism contributors, but only a few were distinguished as heroes of the industry.
Bob Soto started recreational diving in Cayman, and Ms. Hebe housed his dive customers in guest rooms at her seaside cottage on outskirts of George Town. Mr. Soto became one of the best-known names in diving, and Ms. Hebe’s guest house became Sunset House, now one of the Caribbean’s best-known dive resorts.
“She was a strong woman who worked hard to support us, so I’m glad to see her honored for that hard work,” said her son Adrien Briggs, who was also recognized as a tourism pioneer at the ceremony. In addition to Sunset House, Briggs also owns Red Sail Sports, a top dive operator, and the Rum Point Club, a popular island beach attraction.
“I am honored at the recognition, but I know there are many other people who deserve recognition for their contributions to dive tourism as well,” said Mr. Briggs.
Diving and watersports are key components of Cayman’s tourism product — surveys reveal that 1 in 8 visitors will dive, the rest snorkel and go to the beach.
Neil van Niekerk, Administrations Manager of the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman and former President of the Sister Islands Tourism Association, was named an emerging pioneer.
“I’m deeply honored – it’s an amazing award,” he said. Van Niekerk is also active in the watersports division of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, helping steer the island’s dive industry into the future.
“Neil would be a rising star wherever he worked,” commented Peter Hillenbrand, owner of the Southern Cross Club, himself recognized for long service to tourism. “The fact that he continues to be dedicated to the sustainable growth of the Cayman Islands tourism product is a great asset to me and my business as well as the Cayman Islands.”
Ron Kipp, who owned Bob Soto’s Diving for many years, was honored as a tourism pioneer. Cayman’s “Stingray Man” Pat Kenney, credited as co-founder of the deeper Stingray City dive, one of the most popular tourism attractions, was among the honorees for long service to tourism.
“I’m grateful and honored to be among the large group who were recognized for our years of service in the tourism industry,” he said.
Walter Findlay, a long-time watersports manager with Red Sail Sports, was also at the celebration receiving kudos for his long service to tourism.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to be recognized,” said Findlay, who has been on the frontline with Cayman tourists for almost 25 years. “I find tourism a natural fit because I enjoy talking to people and helping them, and that’s a reflection on Red Sail Sports and the services that we give.”
Customer service is one of the reasons Cayman is today a vacation hotspot, as are its variety of accommodations, world-class restaurants, superb diving, and professional dive services. It’s come a long way from the day a seaplane landed in the waters of George Town with the first visitors 70 years ago. In 2016, 385,451 visitors arrived by air in the Cayman Islands, 80% of them from the U.S. More than half are expected to return because, per exit surveys, their experience was very good compared to other Caribbean destinations they have visited. Good news for a tourism industry expecting a banner year in 2017.
Peter Hillenbrand sums up the dedication of all those who work to make the Cayman Islands the best tourist destination.
“I am looking forward to the future and continuing to be involved in moving Cayman’s tourism product and conservation efforts forward,” he said.
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.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months agoSave £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide