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Dive Twerking, Celeb Endorsements, Customer Research, & Other Ideas Emerge From DEMA’s 2020 Vision Session

Published

11 years ago

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How can we re-activate previously certified divers? What are the demographics of people who currently dive?  What does the industry have to do to bring young people into diving?  These are just a few of the question that were addressed during DEMA’s latest 2020 Vision brainstorming session, conducted during the Beneath the Sea Show in New Jersey.

Conceived in 2011 as a means by which DEMA Member input could help steer the direction of the Industry, 2020 Vision Sessions are part of the strategic planning process used by DEMA’s Board of Directors.  Ideas and priorities from these brainstorming sessions help the Board understand the needs of Industry Members “on the ground” and help to shape the future of recreational diving.  At the most recent 2020 Vision Session, held in affiliation with Beneath the Sea, participants focused specifically on two topics: how to reactivate previously certified divers and bring young people into diving.
For those already certified divers who have not been diving recently, participants thought it was important to focus on the following key factors to entice these customers, already interested in and familiar with diving, to start diving again:
  • Make it social and fun, and use social media, viral videos, celebrity endorsements, and local dive parties
  • Since many divers take a hiatus to have families and are more available as their kids get older, focus on family connections and the health and wellness benefits of diving
  • Highlight all the equipment and technology improvements and the ease of diving today
  • Encourage a variety of eco-based activities, like local beach clean-ups or coral restorations
With data indicating potential for Industry growth by reaching possible divers in the age range of 11-17 years old, there was also a focus on developing ways to bring young people into diving. Ideas for reaching a young audience included:
  • More advertising aimed at the 11-17 year old age range
  • The use of mentor / guest lecturer programs within schools or youth groups
  • Make diving look fresh, fun and exciting, focusing on the fun people have in the water and as a fun social experience
  • Use celebrity kid-divers as role models
  • Find ways to share diving as a family activity
  • Integrate Open Water Scuba courses and some of the science and physical aspects of diving into public and private school curricula (e.g.: teach marine biology and physics using diving examples)
  • Use social media to promote and engage kids with the diving culture and lifestyle
  • Leverage viral trends to promote awareness and captivate attention (e.g. “dive twerking”)
DEMA encourages all Industry professionals to review the brainstorming notes from this session and develop their own thoughts to share with them:
If you have any questions regarding DEMA 2020 Vision Sessions contact DEMA by emailing them at 2020vision@dema.org or by calling them on +1 (858) 616-6408.
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Safety First: With Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene, You’re in Good Hands (Watch Video)

Published

5 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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safety

On his recent trip to dive with Scuba Scene, Jeff Goodman had a chat with the Red Sea liveaboard’s General Manager, Ahmed Fadel, about the vessel’s safety measures and how the wellbeing of their passengers is their top priority.

To book your next Red Sea dive adventure on with Scuba Scene, visit oysterdiving.com/trip/scuba-scene-red-sea-egypt.

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Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet Announces Customer Appreciation Sale for Caribbean Explorer II

Published

3 days ago

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March 14, 2025

By

caribbean liveaboard

Buy One, Get One for $999 – Plus Special Savings for Solo Travelers

Explorer Ventures Fleet is celebrating divers and our friends who make it all possible with an exclusive Customer Appreciation Sale aboard the Caribbean Explorer II. This is the liveaboard itinerary that started it all in 1987, and there’s no better way to say thank you than with incredible savings on diving in Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten.

Customer Appreciation Sale Details 

  • Buy one full-price trip, bring a companion for $999
  • Solo travelers receive $800 off retail price
  • Caribbean Explorer II / Saba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten
  • Travel Window: August 1 – November 1, 2025
  • NO Blackout Departure Dates: Book any scheduled departure date within the travel window
  • Booking Deadline: March 31, 2025

Diving in this region offers a mix of dramatic underwater landscapes, intriguing marine life, and historic wrecks. The waters surrounding Saba Marine Park are home to towering pinnacles formed by ancient lava flows, sheer walls, and coral-covered seamounts, where reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and schooling fish are often spotted. Just across the channel, the dive sites of St. Kitts provide a variety of underwater scenery, from gently sloping reefs to spur-and-groove formations, with shipwrecks now serving as habitats for lobster, stingrays, and barracuda. With up to five dives per day, this itinerary offers a mix of exploration and adventure in the heart of the Caribbean.

Between dives, the islands offer even more to discover with Explorer Ventures Fleet’s optional land tours. Stroll through Saba’s Windwardside Village, where red-roofed cottages and lush mountain views create a picture-perfect setting. Take in the breathtaking scenery along “The Road That Couldn’t Be Built”, or visit a local glassblowing and art studio to see island creativity in action. The magic of the Caribbean extends beyond the water, and whether you’re diving beneath the waves or exploring these charming destinations, you’re sure to fall in love with the unique beauty.

This limited-time offer is the perfect excuse to grab a dive buddy and experience the best of Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten at an unbeatable price. Book by March 31, 2025, to take advantage of these exclusive savings. www.explorerventures.com/saba-st-kitts/

Contact Information

Explorer Ventures Fleet

Email: info@explorerventures.com

Phone: 1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada), +1.307.235.0683

Website: www.explorerventures.com

About Explorer Ventures Fleet

Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Fleet has been redefining liveaboard diving, offering exceptional dive experiences across the globe. With a commitment to safety, sustainability, and top-tier service, the fleet provides divers with unforgettable access to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater destinations.

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