The global scuba diving tourism industry generates approximately $20 billion annually, according to a study published on July 25 in Cell Reports Sustainability. This revenue not only supports local economies by creating jobs but also funds marine conservation efforts and raises public awareness. Lead researcher Anna Schuhbauer from the University of British Columbia emphasizes that scuba diving is a significant economic driver that benefits coastal communities and ocean protection.
The study highlights the role of ecotourism, particularly scuba diving, in marine conservation, especially within Marine Protected Areas. Prior research lacked comprehensive global estimates of the industry’s economic impact, often focusing on local or national data. To address this gap, Schuhbauer and her team surveyed dive operators worldwide, estimating that around 11,590 operators in 170 countries employ approximately 124,000 locals.
The researchers found that the annual revenue from an estimated 8.9 to 13.6 million divers amounts to $0.9 to $3.2 billion, contributing to a total of $8.5 to $20.4 billion. This underscores scuba diving’s importance in marine ecotourism. Future efforts will aim to standardize monitoring programs to better track revenue and visitor data, enhancing both economic and conservation decision-making.
