Agents who take time to learn the basics of scuba diving can benefit from more commission and educationals. But according to operators, few agents are keen to learn about the sport.
Goldenjoy Holidays has increased its dive department to four people, and claims bookings for its dive product have increased 100% year on year.
It sends about 400 diving enthsiasts a week to the Red Sea and has doubled capacity to the destination this winter.
Marketing director Amal Tantawy said: “We have seen an increase in sales from travel agents. Diving is in demand. The public regard it more as a mainstream sport like skiing.”
Kuoni Sport Abroad sells over half its diving holidays through agents, while operator Regal says 35% of its packages are booked through high-street agencies.
However Kuoni has reported a slow take-up of educationals and training opportunities.
Sport Abroad co-ordinator Daniel Le Merle said: “There’s not a lot of take-up of fam trips but subject to demand, we will look at pursuing it.”
Regal runs organised fam trips two or three times a year. Marketing director Maggie Telford added: “We can put agents in touch with a local dive centre for a try-dive dive and can arrange for them to go out to a resort, if they’re interested, on an ad-hoc basis.”
For agents or clients new to the sport, the overwhelming opinion is that the Red Sea is the most ideal destination in terms of conditions and price – Regal offers one week’s bed and breakfast from ú289 in Hurgharda.
Kuoni reports an uptake in learn to dive referral courses where clients do the theory part of the diving exam in the UK, and then complete the practical part of the course in a resort.
“Both the British Sub Aqua Club and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors have upgraded the way they run referrals and it is a much easier process. A lot of dive centres in the UK are also recommending that people take the exam abroad,” said Le Merle.
Other top locations include the Maldives and Cuba but operators stress that these destinations are suited to the more experienced diver.
Families and singles are also a target market, according to Regal which reports a sharp demand by singles, especially women.
“As you always have to dive with a buddy, singles get to meet other people and there is a great sense of camaraderie,” said Telford.