Travel Agent - March 31, 2008 - (Page DS2) dive travel: Fast-Growing Market Fiji Visitors Bureau teed Manta Ray sightings; Palau for great wall diving and a diversity of marine life; and the Galapagos Islands, a living marine sanctuary the world’s unique species. The Caribbean, Mexico and Central America are always popular choices for both beginner and experienced divers alike, with short boat trips to dive sites, consistently warm waters and good visibility. A great place to find new dive clients is at a nearby Grenada Board of Tourism dive shop. Shop owners often welcome the assistance of New Trends in Diving travel agents who can organize and book their group dive trips. (You might also The upswing in family travel is changing consider co-op advertising or other crossthe dynamics of dive travel. Family diving promotion with a shop in your area.) is on the rise as younger children can now Diving is a social sport and group trips become certified junior divers at the age of are a fun way to travel while sharing a 10. Unlike hard-core divers in the past, who common interest. Inexpensive locations would skimp on cushy digs in exchange for such as Cozumel and the Bay Islands of exotic and more adventurous destinations, Honduras are always winners with groups. families are seeking out more upscale, family-friendly accommodations. Kids today want to dive but also want their TV, Internet and videos too. Great destinations for family dive travel include the Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas. Adventurous divers have always sought out pristine diving in remote and exotic destinations: Tahiti with its far flung atolls and exceptional current dives; the South Pacific Islands of Fiji, known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”; Australia, home to the world’s largest barrier reef; the Tourism Authority of Thailand Micronesian island of Yap for its guaran- The 24-hour Rule The first thing a savvy agent needs to know about diving is the 24-hour rule. This is important when booking flights, especially for divers on a multi-destination trip. The rule is that divers must wait 18 to 24 hours after their last dive before flying. Divers breathe compressed air at depths forcing nitrogen into their bloodstream. Time must be spent on the surface to rid the body of the excessive nitrogen. Should a loss of cabin pressure occur in the aircraft the nitrogen can expand into the joints causing a painful condition commonly called “the bends.” Liveaboard or Resort For avid divers or those who prefer to spend their vacation immersed in nonstop diving, a liveaboard is the way to go. A liveaboard is like a small cruise ship for divers without any port stops. Plenty of diving, eating and sleeping are what divers can expect from a liveaboard. Most ships are specifically outfitted for diving and offer multi-day itineraries to often inaccessible or remote dive locations. The Galapagos, Fiji and Australia are some popular liveaboard destinations. Most liveaboards have small cabins with private bathroom facilities, and include meals. On deck, divers have lockers to stow their gear and generous E-6 tables for cameras. Dive computers are a must and, with opportunities to dive up to five times a day, each 2 DIVE SPECIALIST A TRAVEL AGENT UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
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