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Scuba Diving Getting the Spotlight in Malta Business

January 26, 2012 Current Affairs No Comments

Scuba diving off a Mediterranean coast is a dream many of us may have, but it seems Malta’s government isn’t satisfied with the amount that is being done to promote that dream. Launching a plan today, Malta’s minister for tourism and culture, Mario de Marco said that focus was to be given to the underwater scuba diving industry in an effort to provide strategic direction to the Malta Tourism Authority, the government and the private sector. The idea isn’t to promote tourism at all costs, but to champion sustainable tourism which impacts the environment least and provides adequate Malta company incorporation. With the large amount of schools offering scuba diving courses in Malta and the recorded fact that a large percentage of tourists come specifically for scuba diving, the plan looks to take advantage of several positive positions. A total of 46 scuba diving schools exist in Malta and Gozo and with the average length of a diving tourist’s stay being longer than non-diving tourists, revenue can be greatly increased by upping value for money with diving and providing new routes.

The confirmation that things are looking good for scuba diving shops in Malta comes in the form of praise for its diving waters. According to UK Diver Magazine, Malta places third in the world for pleasant scuba diving with clean waters, positive year round temperatures in the water and minimal time and distance from accommodation to the diving spots. With such a popular hobby, providing scuba diving cameras and equipment to locals, the amount of trained professionals waiting to pass on their knowledge to tourists increases the attractive nature of Malta as a diving destination. The plan is being plotted with consultation and feedback from the Professional Diving Schools Association of Malta, Gozo and Comino and as is normally the case from constitutional laws in Malta, it is open to public feedback for four weeks until the 21 February. Scuba diving photography and exploration is a niche market that Malta intends to be a major provider for, boosting tourism by increasing accessibility for diving sites. Scuba diving looks to become a major player in the already impressive Maltese tourism industry and it is clear this is the goal of its government.

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