News
RAID Reports Outstanding Growth
RAID International Business Director Terry Cummins has revealed RAID’s second quarter growth figures highlighting a 72% growth in RAID Dive Centres over the three month period. “The growth of RAID has been absolutely amazing. I have not seen anything like this since the early 70s when the US based training agencies started to take off internationally,” said the industry veteran.
Cummins, a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute and known for his focus on solid metrics rather than marketing hype, went on to say: “With RAID, we have had very high double digit growth across all our major key performance indicators, including diver certifications, new instructors, new instructor trainers, new dive centres and countries where RAID is now available. For example, the response to our diver and instructor programs in Australia and Asia has been nothing short of amazing. With our Korean, Philippines and Indonesian Offices officially opening next month, we are sure to keep the momentum going not only with new instructors coming on-board, but with instructors and stores joining us from other agencies via our user-friendly, cost effective crossover programs. Similarly, our Regional Offices in Southern Africa and the UK are making very significant progress. In fact, all our Regional Offices are challenging the traditional models of service presented by other agencies and in respect to training, are leveraging our state of the art technology to offer substantial savings to both divers and dive pros on certification and membership charges which is a very big issue for many in the dive industry right now.”
Commenting on the release of the RAID growth figures, RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “RAID has the numbers in a phenomenal upward spiral. This is because of our awesome international team and the full range of online courses RAID has that helps make all this happen. You want to know about free diving? Who’s better than Mike Wells and what he can bring to the table? You want to know about gas diving? We have it all man from open water scuba, to tech, to all the major CCRs. You want to know the dive business? Unquestionably, our business team has the experience and the track record on that one totally nailed”.
RAID International CEO Jim Holliday is the first to admit that “RAID is not the biggest fish in the pond just yet, but I have every confidence that RAID’s outstanding growth and momentum will continue based on those virtues of a fair price, on-going innovation and good personalised service. For example, just on price, we are around half of what the old boys club charge, so retailers are quickly noticing us not just as a cost effective alternative, but also as a better business model generally. This is not an unsubstantiated claim. Here is the evidence: we only got started with the relaunch of RAID early this year after sailing under the industry radar for the first 7 years of the company’s history with a mere handful of stores – and now, 6 months later, we have dive centres in 40 countries and full service offices in 5 strategic locations, with 2 more to follow which I will proudly announce next month. One thing you can count on with RAID is we are not sitting still. We have more, lots more, on the way. I cannot wait to see the reaction to us at DEMA in November. We will be on booth 1038. So you dive professionals, come by and say hello to me and my team and be unafraid to take a look at what we have available for you and your customers – I guarantee you will be impressed.”
For more information visit www.diveraid.com.
Source: www.divenewswire.com
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
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.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
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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