PADI Looking to Increase Business in Downturn

Survival Training to capture 15 per cent more business in 2009

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - In an economy going through upheaval, PADI Americas' Dive Center and Resort owners are concentrating on growth, and learning new survival tactics for coming out ahead.

Three hundred and four PADI Americas' Dive Center and Resort owners, operators and staff have now attended Survival Training: Business of Diving for the 21st Century, and instead of simply settling for surviving in 2009, this group of dive professionals has set their sights on an average of a 15 per cent increase in the number of entry level student divers trained in 2009 over 2008.

Collectively, this is equivalent to 2034 new divers and more than $2.7 million US in dive training, equipment and travel sales for PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations (IRRA) Members *.

"Survival Training teaches real-world tactics for attracting and retaining new divers," says PADI Americas' IRRA Manager, Jeff Nadler. "If a dive center or resort operator commits to increasing entry level certifications by just two new divers per month, the potential revenue increase per year for the business exceeds $32,000."

Launched late January 2009 and presented by PADI Americas' executive staff and regional managers, Survival Training helps PADI Members focus on what they can do to influence business, sharing proven strategies and tactics for marketing in any economy.

PADI Americas executives, including PADI President and Chief Operating Officer, Drew Richardson, have spent the past four months traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico to present this free, motivational business forum that has helped many dive center and resort operators gain control over their 2009 business outcome.

Dive professionals and key stakeholders throughout the dive industry have applauded the program, along with PADI America's commitment and support of the membership.

Patti Stewart from International Scuba in Texas, in a message to Richardson says: "PADI's dedication to our success is unheard of in the current world we live in."

Dan Emke, president of AERIS and Oceanic, also in a message to Richardson says: "At a time when we are being bombarded with nothing but negative input, the two hours we spent with your people was like a breath of fresh air."

"In today's economic climate, many businesses are cutting back on travel and related expenses," says Richardson. "However, the PADI organization feels it's more important than ever to reach out to the membership and deliver the tools, support and customer service they need to succeed."

To schedule Survival Training for your dive business, contact your PADI Regional Manager or Jeff Nadler of PADI Americas today. For a complete list of PADI Dive Centers and Resorts who have now attended Survival Training, visit the Pros' Site at: www.padi.com.

*Based upon data from the 2006 DEMA Diver Participation Study.