Exploring the profiles and motives of recreational divers: Case study from Greece

Abstract

Leisure diving with self-contained breathing apparatus is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the world. According to the available data, more than 900,000 people every year are certified by the largest relevant certification body. Nowadays, more than 25 million certified divers are recorded worldwide. In parallel, the number of tourists engaged in diving for recreation in coastal resorts, the so-called "resort divers", is also increasing. The growing interest in diving as a maritime tourism activity is supported by the publication of special magazines and videos about the underwater world, the establishment of diving clubs, the operation of special diving boats and the creation of diving resorts. Said interest in the underwater world has resulted in the development of a special form of tourism, namely underwater or diving tourism. This study explores motivations for diving in Greece and has the objectives to understand the Greek divers' profiles, motivations to participate in diving activities and attitudes, as well as reasons for choosing a diving place. Another goal is to investigate whether the new institutional framework in Greece facilitates recreational diving or creates obstacles to divers. The results of the survey demonstrate that recreational diving is a new and dynamic field of alternative leisure activities with a great potential for further development and significant economic benefits for tourism destinations and Greece, in general. Its audience travels inside and outside Greece in order to enjoy the marine environment, but also to escape from everyday life, has a high-income profile and devotes several days to the destination. However, the current institutional framework in Greece, with big delays and considerable limitations for the demarcation of the areas open to scuba diving, seems to be an impediment for the development of this form of special interest tourism.