The Saint Lucia Divers Association and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority are looking ahead with anticipation to the third annual Saint Lucia Dive Festival (DiveFest) slated for September 8-15, 2019.
The event will feature a number of activities including a dive treasure hunt, lion fish derby, photo seminar and competition, themed dinners, street fiestas and island tours.
Adding to Saint Lucia’s prominence as a romance destination, a highlight of the 2019 festival will be an underwater wedding by a returning travel agent and her partner, both of whom participated in the 2018 edition of DiveFest and continue to be inspired by Saint Lucia. Their destination wedding will also welcome 22 of their family and friends from the USA.
Over 80 dive enthusiasts of all skill levels are already confirmed to explore the island’s 22 world-class diving sites and underwater marine life during the dive week.
Given the record numbers that the festival has attracted thus far, DiveFest 2019 is already contributing to over 300 room-nights at various properties around the island.
As the SLTA endeavours to prepare young minds for careers within the hospitality industry, particularly in water sports, dive certified students from the Division of Hospitality at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, will participate in the schedule of activities including an environmental underwater conservation initiative at the Reduit Beach.
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority continues to promote the dive market as another niche in addition to romance, culinary, adventure, family, health and wellness, MICE and sports.
“There is great enthusiasm to execute the third annual Saint Lucia Dive Festival. With more inclusion of our local and international partners, coupled with an exciting schedule of activities, we are eager to ensure that the festival remains a defining product for Saint Lucia’s Dive market as we endeavour to make it the best in the region,” said -Ernie George- SLTA Sales Manager for the USA with responsibility for dive.
Among the resorts and dive shops participating in DiveFest 2019 are Bay Gardens Resorts, Coco Palm Resort, Marigot Beach Club & Dive Resort, Island Divers at Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Windjammer Landing, Sugar Beach, Action Adventures, Dive Fair Helen, Iyanola Dive Ventures, and Eastern Caribbean Divers.
The SLTA will also welcome journalists, dive shop owners and operators from the USA, Canada and the UK for a familiarization visit as part of the event.
To be a part of DiveFest 2019, individuals or groups can register directly with a participating partner of choice.