Dive shop operators aim to improve tourism

Ways to improve the tourism product were discussed this week, by local dive shop operators, and members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association.{{more}}

These discussions were one of many which took place at a one-day seminar, hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, on Wednesday May 2, at the training room of the National Insurance Services.

The seminar was facilitated by Jerry Beaty, diving consultant and Associate publisher of Dive Training Magazine.

Participants discussed a number of topics, including ways to more successfully market the diving industry, working in collaboration with hotels and resorts, as well as problems affecting the industry and possible solutions.

Beaty, who had been here for the past ten days, had visited a number of the popular dive spots, and gave his recommendations on how the industry, which he indicated has been growing over the years, could be developed.

The widely travelled Beaty said that what he saw under water around St. Vincent and the Grenadines, could easily be ranked amongst the top dive spots around the world.

He also commended St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in its fight against the lionfish.

He pointed out that the lionfish may never be completely removed from the local waters, but the local fight against invasive species is ahead of the game, which he credited to the various educational programs that had been employed on a public and private standpoint.(JJ)