Maldives is one of the best diving places on earth. What’s better is providing inclusivity and accessibility for the differently abled persons and tourists visiting to join recreational scuba diving and snorkeling activities while at this pristine scuba diving ocean tourism destination.
On October 12, 2022 Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with PHSA USA and Atoll’s World launched the instructor training to support Divers with special needs in Maldives.
This was headed by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom who launched Poseidon Handicap Scuba Adventures training of diving instructors to make Maldives a country to support and implement differently abled people-friendly tourism. As per tourism Minister the ministry will be putting all efforts to implement safety, travel-friendly and innovative means for an overall experience for the physically challenged tourist.
The ceremony guest of honors includes Minister of Environment & Technology Minister Ms. Aminath Shauna, Minister of Higher Education Minister Dr. Ibrahim Hassan along with Minister of State for Gender, Family and Social Services Ms. Ifham Hussain.
Tourism Minister Specially highlighted the presence of MADO (Maldives Alliance of Dive Operators) President Dr. Sham'aa A. Hameed at the event.
High Level executives from organisations such as MATI, NBAM, NGAM, MATATO and ATA was present at the event.
For the very first time this program with Dive Centres around the Maldives is conducted to ensure Dive Instructors and professionals welcome a whole new segment of the differently abled community of the travel community to visit Maldives to enjoy the ocean tourism to the fullest. The programs are holistic including ocean literacy and sessions on sustainable tourism as well.
Outlined by Mark Rausch CEO of PHSA USA, “Education and information of the benefits of health and social well-being of recreational scuba diving is important to assist the differently-abled community to join in accessible activities while enjoying the ocean. We conduct an intense course to equip the divers to get trained with theory classes and open water modules followed by examinations to certify them to welcome differently-abled persons to diving. “
Suresh Dissnayake, AVP Sales and Marketing at Adaaran Resorts says “We are glad to collaborate and welcome the differently abled people community engagement programs in the Maldives, to promote inclusivity and accessibility in to our hospitality industry.”
The Atolls World has always been a leader in reaching out to community causes which drive not only sustainable development but accessibility in tourism industry, said Bassam Adam the MD (Atolls World and Authentica 360). Furthermore, he stressed out on the fact that this is not about only Atolls World, this is a much bigger cause and all stake holders in the industry need to work together to make Maldives more inclusive!
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