PADI eLearning Logs 1000th Participant

PADI eLearning Logs 1000th Participant

Online program quickly becoming one of PADI’s most successful new diver acquisition efforts

The popular PADI eLearning program reached a major milestone as the 1000^th participant enrolled just a few weeks after the program’s launch. At this pace, PADI eLearning will become one of PADI’s most successful new diver acquisition initiatives -- great news for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts seeking innovative ways to attract new divers and increase business.

“During DEMA Show 2006, the PADI message was loud and clear: Embrace the internet and succeed. It was a risky, and honestly, a highly controversial topic that inspired industry-wide debate and discussion,” shared PADI President and Chief Operating Operator, Drew Richardson. “But now, less than one year later, I’m seeing retail and resort operators take this message to heart. PADI Members are adapting and changing the way they do business and using the internet as a key strategy for growth. And it’s working. At the end of July 2007, PADI Open Water Diver certifications in the PADI Americas territory are up more than 17 percent over July 2006 - an overall increase of 2.35 percent year to date. This increase in PADI Member Retail and Resort business isn’t a coincidence. There is a direct correlation between increased new diver certifications and business growth for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. The July 2007 numbers indicate that PADI eLearning is playing a key role in this growth.

One retailer seeing an increase in business from PADI eLearning is Colonel Echols from Landshark Scuba in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. This progressive retailer has promoted PADI eLearning from the start and he’s thrilled with the results. “PADI eLearning has been great for us. Because of PADI eLearning, we have 20 percent more open water students walking through our doors and buying equipment - and we’re getting $55 US more for this premium privilege.”

“Just today,” Echols continued, “I was ecstatic to learn we had six new customers call in and tell us they want to sign up for eLearning because it fits into their schedule better – and it’s only Tuesday!” According to Echols, PADI eLearning student divers come to his store better prepared, too. “My observation is that eLearners pay attention and follow directions better.”

“Colonel Echol’s enthusiasm is contagious and I applaud it,” closed Richardson. “I’m tired of reading propaganda about industry doom and gloom ... how the industry is dying, how it’s not the same as it once was. Well, the business environment is not the same as it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad news. For many PADI Members, business is up in all areas. Their success is our success and we’re all growing together. It’s exciting and rewarding to know that we’re taking the right steps to support our lifeblood as a membership organization, PADI Members. PADI remains committed to the continued development of innovative and progressive programs for member success, which helps the industry as a whole to grow.”

There’s no quick fix for increasing business. Growth and success are directly tied to effective strategies and winning programs such as PADI eLearning. Align your business with PADI - the acknowledged market leader in scuba training and education - and tap into proven strategies to grow your business. Contact the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations today at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2260.