These are challenging times for everyone; especially those involved in diving and travel. We have received news from many individual Tour Operators and diving businesses who, although struggling themselves, are extending help to their clients and who will need all our support to get through the coming weeks and when travel bans are lifted.

Drew Richardson, PADI CEO has also made the following statement, pledging support for PADI Members, their health, and the health of their Dive Business:

“As President and CEO of the dive industry’s leading membership organization, I care deeply about the safety of our members, the safety of divers, and the health of your business. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting communities and businesses all over the world, especially those that are dependent on travel, and the dive industry is no exception. I want to assure you that our international network of PADI® Regional Teams remain committed to supporting PADI Professional, Retail and Resort Members during challenging times like these. We’re in this together.

I’ve authorized an immediate membership support package to help stimulate business, which is detailed out below.

PADI Launches Powerful New Customer Acquisition Campaign

First, we are launching a powerful PADI Open Water Diver acquisition campaign, called Start Your Adventure. In light of the current situation where people are traveling less, this campaign is focused on eLearning, so people can start their diving adventures at home, connected to our PADI Retail and Resort membership across the world.

Unprecedented Discount on PADI eLearning

To help increase PADI Dive Center and Resort success in receiving new customers from this marketing campaign, I’ve authorized a limited time offer of 20% OFF the wholesale price of PADI eLearning® courses (pricing is valid through 30 April 2020, some exclusions apply). By stocking up on PADI eLearning codes, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can pass these discounts on to customers to help drive demand to Start Your Adventure at Home with PADI eLearning. When the situation calms, which it eventually will, these dive students will head through your doors to complete their certification.

PADI Members: Contact your local PADI Regional Manager or Training Consultant to take advantage of your specially discounted eLearning codes.

PADI Ramps Up Commitment for Major Marketing Initiatives to Boost Your Business

Because demand is down, many organizations are pulling back to cut expenses during this time of disruption and uncertainty. As your advocate, my philosophy is to invest more now to launch global activations to highly-targeted audiences in domestic and resort markets. By using paid, earned and owned media, we’ll deliver an enhanced customer experience through new campaign materials, landing pages for non-divers and Discover Scuba® Diving (DSD) participants, driving these new leads directly to PADI Members. Download the Start Your Adventure toolkit.

Safety Recommendations and Precautions

The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented in many ways, making it dynamic and challenging to navigate and manage through for everybody around the world. On the PADI Pros Blog you can find suggestions and resources for preventative best practices – during dive and EFR training and in your routine dive activities – to address the fears and concerns that you and your students may be facing regarding this issue.

On behalf of the PADI Family, I want to thank you for your continued loyalty and support. I have found over the years that in the long run, we always emerge stronger after world events of this nature. In the short run, it is difficult to appreciate this reality. I encourage each of you to please remain vigilant and take prudent actions as recommended. Most importantly, there is power in the ability to stay optimistic. The global dive industry has weathered and prevailed through many challenges throughout the years. Our united resilience during these challenges shows that we have the strength and endurance to make it through this one, too. Be well and thank you for your membership and support.

Best personal regards,

Drew Richardson

President & CEO, PADI Worldwide.”

Find out more at www.padi.com.

Source: www.divenewswire.com