Renowned for its pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and artistic underwater attractions, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has long been celebrated as a premier diving destination in the Caribbean. This year, a dedicated team from the BVI is attending the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, to spotlight the Territory’s unique dive offerings and engage with global dive industry leaders.
Representing the BVI at DEMA 2024 are Ms. Tausha Vanterpool, Business Development Manager, Southwest/West Region, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC); Alton Bertie, BVI Dive Expert and Influencer; and key members of the BVI Scuba Organization, including Kim Huish (Cuan Law), Mike Rowe (Sail Caribbean Divers), and Jeff McNutt (Dive BVI).
The DEMA Show is the world’s largest trade-only event for diving, travel, and water sports professionals. This year’s event boasts over 500 exhibitors and more than 300 educational sessions, drawing thousands of participants from across the globe. The show serves as a vital platform for networking, discovering new products, and advancing the dive industry through education and collaboration.
The BVI team will showcase the Territory’s unparalleled underwater attractions, including:
• Iconic Wrecks: Dive into history with the RMS Rhone, one of the most celebrated shipwreck dives in the world.
• Unique Artificial Reefs: Explore creative and ecologically significant dive sites such as the Willy T and the Shark Planeo, which teem with marine life.
• Vibrant Marine Biodiversity: Discover the thriving ecosystems of coral reefs, underwater gardens, and marine sanctuaries that make the BVI a bucket-list destination for divers.
The delegation will connect with dive shops, equipment manufacturers, distributors, media representatives, and travel advisors to strengthen relationships and forge new partnerships.
These efforts aim to enhance the promotion of scuba diving in the BVI and position the Territory as a top choice for dive enthusiasts worldwide.
“The DEMA Show is an invaluable platform for the BVI to solidify its reputation as a premier dive destination,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “Our presence at this event enables us to connect with key industry stakeholders who play a pivotal role in driving dive tourism to the Territory. By fostering these relationships, we aim to raise awareness of the BVI’s exceptional offerings and inspire divers to explore our underwater treasures.” As a token of appreciation for the dive community’s ongoing support, the BVI delegation will host a “BVI Painkiller Happy Hour” on Thursday, November 21, from 3-5 PM. This informal gathering will provide an opportunity for industry professionals to network, share experiences, and celebrate their mutual love for diving in the BVI—all while enjoying the Territory’s signature cock