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SPTO launches 8-night Fiji dive holiday incentive

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Volivoli Beach Resort

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has launched an exclusive, eight-night dive holiday incentive on Fiji’s Suncoast region – known for some of the most spectacular coral reef diving in the world.

The incentive is targeted specifically at travel specialists who sell dive packages or those with dive certifications themselves.

To qualify, agents simply have to complete the South Pacific Specialist Programme, an on-line training module that teaches them how to sell South Pacific holidays.

Diving in the Pacific islands region is one of five niche areas covered in the training, which helps travel agents develop and enhance their knowledge on the unique tourism products and services that are available throughout the tropical South Pacific.

The online programme is aimed at helping travel agents increase their confidence and ability to sell the South Pacific with passion and loyalty.

At present, there are 458 certified South Pacific Specialist agents across the globe mainly from Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India, United Kingdom and United States.

The eight-night Fiji dive package being launched is offered in conjunction with Tourism Suncoast, the regional destination organization for the Suncoast region,  focused on promoting travel in the northwest of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu.

The prize is inclusive of four nights’ accommodation at Wananavu Beach Resort and four nights at Volivoli Beach Resort with full buffet breakfast and underwater expedition. Meet and greet upon arrival in Fiji and transfers to Suncoast is being offered with the compliments of Tours Managers Fiji.

In launching the competition, SPTO chief executive officer Chris Cocker said: “Fiji and other Pacific island countries offer some of the best diving in the world, with high potential to drive tourism development into the region.”

“Although it is a niche market, dive tourism has proven to be particularly effective in stimulating responsible tourism in new destinations. We’re particularly proud to support Tourism Suncoast in educating international travel agents under our South Pacific Specialists programme on not only the great diving offerings but the beauty of the Suncoast as an emerging destination within Fiji,” he added.

Cocker stated that Fiji, as the soft coral capital of the world, offers a range of diving experiences across the country and that Suncoast, known for its pristine and un-crowded environment, is well suited for tourists and travellers of all types who are looking for a special kind of diving and holiday experience not offered elsewhere in Fiji.

The Suncoast region features the Bligh Waters, or more recently the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, one of the country’s precious underwater jewels, known after the small volcanic island Vatu-i-Ra, a national park and bird sanctuary with beautiful white sand beaches.

The closing date for the competition is the 23rd September 2016. To register and complete the South Pacific Specialist training, visit www.southpacificspecialist.org.

Based in Suva, SPTO works with 16 Pacific island countries to market and develop tourism in the South Pacific region.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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