News
Dive centres in Gozo complain of loss of business due to Brangelina shoot
Dive centres on the Maltese island of Gozo have reported cancelled dives and disappointed customers due to the closure of Mġarr ix-Xini, Ta’ Ċenċ and Fessej Rock to allow the new movie by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to be filmed there.
The areas have been closed since 24th August and were due to re-open on 15th October, but over the past weeks this date has been moved back several times. The latest re-open date is mid-November.
Two meetings were hastily arranged and dive centre owners met with the Minister for Tourism, Dr Edward Zammit Lewis and the Film Commissioner, Engelbert Grech to discuss how access to these dive sites could be obtained only when the North West wind prevents diving anywhere other than the south coast. Whilst it was agreed at the meeting there should be a process in place to allow the divers access on these days, so far permission to dive there has been denied. It appears they have no consideration for the diving industry.
Without these dive sites available, there are only two other sheltered spots accessible on the south coast. With 12 dive centres on Gozo, plus others from Malta diving here on a daily basis, these sites become very crowded and there is concern for diver safety due to the number of divers in a limited area and the possibility by some to dive little known dive sites as an alternative.
The dive centres do not want to prevent the filming taking place but are asking for consideration to be given to the many holidaymakers, including divers who have paid money to enjoy these areas. They feel that it is not inconceivable that a plan of compromise can be put in place; indeed many ideas were presented to the Minister of Tourism as to how this would work and so they are now questioning why they are being ignored.
Brian Azzopardi, owner of Atlantis Dive Centre says, “our best advertising is the word of mouth. After slowly building up my reputation over the past 20 years, I am afraid that the same ‘word of mouth’ will result in loss of tourists next year. When the North West wind blows, and this is the prevailing wind of the Maltese Islands, we are stuck with only 2 sheltered dive spots, having lost 3 (Mġarr ix-Xini, Ta’ Ċenċ and Fessej Rock) to the filming industry. Our clients are already complaining and cancelling dives when we end up diving on the same two dive spots for a whole week.”
“The needs of the diving industry are being ignored and the money generated from the film is welcome but at what cost?” says David Hayler-Montague, Director of Diving at Bubbles Dive Centre.
“This farcical situation has meant tourists paying good money are having their diving holidays ruined due to the closure of over 50% of diving sites on Gozo when the North West winds set in. Why we were never consulted about this film has never been explained. Dive centres have worked hard to build up the diving industry here, especially in light of the problems in Egypt and now, thanks to the mis-guided priorities of some, these achievements are being reversed.”
Diving is a multi-million Euro industry in Gozo when taking into account the subsequent hotel, bar, restaurant and transport incomes, and there is concern that if the reputation of diving there is tarnished, the whole island economy will suffer.
Source: www.independent.com.mt
News
Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!
Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.
This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.
Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.
Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.
“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”
Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.
The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.
Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.
The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.
For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com
For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/
Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe
Gear Reviews
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
Let me get this out there at the start… it is not possible for me to write an unbiased review on SurfEars! Why? – because they saved my diving career. That may sound over-dramatic, but it is true. I had been told by my ENT specialist that I should stop diving. Repeated perforations, including a stint of 4 infections causing ear drum ruptures in a single year, meant that things looked very bleak. Until a friend recommended that I get in touch with the team at SurfEars and to try them out.
That was over 5 years ago, and I have not looked back. Not a single ear infection in all the dives since. If you want to read my initial review of SurfEars then you can find it here: https://www.scubaverse.com/gear-review-surfears/
So, I was more than pleased to receive the latest SurfEars 4 to try out. I took them on a recent trip to The Bahamas where I was filming for a new project all about sharks. SurfEars come in a handy pod that I secure to my BCD so that I am sure not to forget to take them on the boat and to put them in before I head into the water. The new model comes in 2 new colours and have a range of fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Once in, you can still hear what is going on around you. Vital for any last-minute instructions for your dive.
Underwater they do their job in keeping water out. It is still just as easy to equalise the pressure, as air movement is not restricted at all. The new fittings mean that I can change to a slightly smaller fitting to wear under my hood for cold water diving. Once in, I just forget all about them, and enjoy my diving (snorkeling and swimming) with complete peace of mind.
The new version of SurfEars is now using recycled ocean plastic and repurposed silicone so are more eco-friendly. They are said to be even tougher and will last longer. Although my previous set were still going strong.
Whatever your chosen water sport – I cannot recommend SurfEars enough. Whilst they literally enabled me to continue diving, I would suggest using them to protect your ears before any unwanted trips to the doctor. I never go in the water without them. They are at the top of my packing list for any trip.
For more information head to: https://surfears.com/
-
News3 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 4
-
News2 months ago
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
-
Blogs2 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1
-
News3 months ago
Discover Turquoise Divers and Media Luna Beach & Dive Resort: A Premier Diving and Relaxation Destination in Roatan
-
Blogs2 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 5
-
Blogs2 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2
-
News3 months ago
Toucan Diving at Plaza Beach and Dive Resort Bonaire Introduces PADI Mermaid Training