The Cayman Islands showcases 2014 fall programs and events at DEMA, celebrating its position as a premiere dive destination.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, August XX, 2014 – The Cayman Islands, renowned as the birthplace of recreational diving, will show its appreciation for Dive operators at the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association’s 2014 annual trade show by recognizing those who demonstrate outstanding support for the country’s dive industry. The Cayman Islands will award both the Grand Prize and (2) First Prizes for the T’anks A Lot program at this year’s show, November 19-22.

• The top two operators with the most bookings to the Cayman Islands between November 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014 will receive the first prize: a trip for two to the Cayman Islands including round-trip airfare on Cayman Airways, seven nights’ accommodations and six days of two-tank dives. One winner will stay at Sunset House and the other will stay with Divetech at Cobalt Coast Dive Resort.

• The Grand Prize winner, randomly selected from all entries, will drive away with a new 2014 Porsche Cayman that will be his or hers for one year! Dive centres will receive one entry in the Grand Prize drawing for each person the centre sent to the Cayman Islands between November 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014, providing lower-volume dive centres with the chance to win the Porsche Cayman for a year.

“The Cayman Islands is pleased to recognize our partners who consistently send divers to explore our seas,” said Deputy Premier, and Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Moses Kirkconnell. “Thanks to dive travel partners, the Cayman Islands continues to attract divers of all skill levels and our 365 different dive locations, one for each day of the year and spread amongst all three diverse islands.”

Dive centre operators can register for the rewards program at DEMA, as well as on www.divecaymanrewards.com.

“The T’anks A Lot program allows the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism a chance to give back and thank the dive centre operators through our unique dive programme,” explains Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris. “We’re happy we can show our gratitude to our partners who drive dive business to the destination and further encourage them to continue to do so in the future.”

DEMA attendees will also be able to learn more about the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) which was founded in 2000 by the Cayman Islands’ Ministry of Tourism. At the Cayman Islands Pavilion, visitors will be able to walk the Hall of Fame red carpet and take a photo with a cut-out of a famous ISDHF inductee.

The annual ISDHF induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 10, 2014, in Grand Cayman. The 2014 International Inductees are:

• Chuck Nicklin;
• Bill Acker;
• Neal Watson;
• Dan Orr;
• Alese and Morton Pechter (Morton will be honoured posthumously).

The Early Pioneers Segment will award the representatives/family members of: Decima Mas.

Leading up to the induction ceremony, Legends and Lions week will feature several activities to celebrate diving in the Cayman Islands. Whether it’s diving with the Hall of Famers on a morning two-tank dive or networking with these dive celebrities at various social events, dive enthusiasts will be able to ask questions and get to know ISDHF greats at this one-of-a-kind experience.

Legends and Lions week also focuses on how the dive industry in the Cayman Islands is operating as a first line of defense for its spectacular subaquatic environment, by granting all participants the chance to become certified Lionfish cullers. Dive operators will provide a one-and-a-half hour Lionfish Culling Certification course sponsored by the Department of Environment, creating a new army of lionfish hunters. Once certified, the participants will form culling teams and complete a one-tank dive (shore or boat) with an element of competition between the teams at each dive operator.

Travel packages are available that include accommodations, diving, and entry to the Legends and Lions events throughout the week. To book your package, visit www.divecayman.ky/scuba14

Located 480 miles south of Miami in the vibrant tranquillity of western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travellers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and diving spots, and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse financial centre, the Cayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky or call your local travel agent.