Dive centers and resorts worldwide continue to join PADI to drive business growth and train the next generation of divers.
Around the world, dive shops are joining the PADI family. As PADI approaches its 60th anniversary, hundreds of dive operations are choosing to align with the world’s largest purpose-driven diving organization, and the momentum isn’t slowing.
This year alone, PADI has welcomed more than 220 new dive centers and resorts into its global network, along with over 100 former competitor stores across 47 countries. These new members join a community of 6,600 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts operating in more than 180 countries — a network built on adventure, connection and a shared mission.
Why Dive Centers Are Joining PADI
While the reasons vary from shop to shop, a few themes regularly surface – visibility, trust, growth and support. According to the 2025 Dive Industry Study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), those advantages translate directly into stronger businesses. The study found that PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are not only the most recognized and respected globally, but also the most profitable. In fact, PADI Members earned an average of USD $186,000 more in 2024 than non-PADI shops.
For many business owners, that data reinforces what they already feel in their day-to-day operations.
“As our organization continues to elevate demand for diver certifications around the globe, there has never been a more opportune time to be a PADI Retail or Resort Member, and these findings validate that the PADI brand, along with its training and marketing programs, helps dive centers thrive,” says Kristin Valette Wirth, Chief Brand and Membership Officer at PADI Worldwide. “Being a PADI Member is a profitable business strategy. Through global awareness, best-in-class training and unmatched business and marketing tools, the PADI organization helps members not only succeed, but lead in their market.”
Real Dive Shops, Real Results
Recognizing the real challenges business owners face, PADI is dedicated to helping members overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success. Across continents, new and returning PADI Members are already seeing momentum.
Outside the Asylum, USA
After a tough start to the year, this Texas dive shop saw a steady increase in course bookings after they switched back to PADI.
“The biggest reason we have chosen PADI is that PADI makes the phone ring,” explains CEO of OTA Scuba & Swim Morad Hassan. “Half of my sales last month were directly correlated to us being a PADI Dive Center again. We believe that next year will now be one of our best years certification-wise.”
Atlantis Diving PRO Lanzarote, Spain
For CEO Nuria Olive Soler, returning to PADI was about visibility, community and aligning with an organization that shares her values.
“PADI remains the global benchmark in diving, with an impact that transcends education and extends into the industry, sustainability and the global community. I’ve already felt that strength even before the official transition: international visibility, immediate recognition from divers and the close, human support of the PADI team,” she says.
She continues, “PADI’s mission represents exactly what I’ve stood for throughout my professional life — teaching diving with purpose, respect for the ocean and the desire to form conscious individuals, not just certified divers.”
Tulamben Dive, Indonesia
In the heart of Bali’s diving scene, Tulamben Dive reports renewed confidence among their team and a surge of interest from key markets, particularly China.
“Our experience with PADI has been very easy and highly professional, with the training materials and eLearning platforms being detailed, comprehensive, and giving our divers great confidence in their learning,” says Tulamben Dive owner Ketut Rasmiana.
“We are also very appreciative of the business and marketing support PADI provides, which helps us attract new divers. We are proud to work with PADI and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
A Community Built for the Future
As the dive industry evolves, PADI continues to invest in growing global consumer demand with a vision to help dive centers thrive while empowering more people to seek adventure and save the ocean.
For many dive shops, joining PADI isn’t just a business decision. It’s a commitment to shaping the next generation of divers and strengthening a global diving community.
To learn more about the benefits of PADI Membership and join the world’s largest purpose-driven diving organization, contact your PADI Regional Office.
