Cayman rises to the top of diver ratings

(CNS): The Cayman Islands has come top of the polls with readers in an important dive magazine this month further boosting the destination’s tourism hopes for 2011. The islands have been awarded first place for ‘Overall Rating of the Destination’ and ‘Wall Diving’ in the 2011 Readers Choice Awards for Scuba Diving magazine. The impressive quality and diversity of dive sites, coupled with the thriving marine ecosystem, impressed divers enough torate the destination as the favoured choice for 2011. The news comes in the wake of the international coverage generated for Cayman following the scuttling of the USS Kittiwake. (Photo Lawson Wood)

Officials from the department of tourism said this latest accolade along with the successful sinking of the Kittiwake, against the backdrop of many previous awards shows the Cayman dive product is not only world-class but that it is growing exponentially.

“It is an honour for our destination to have been selected once again for awards which reflect all the hard work of the individuals and organisations both private and government, responsible for making the dive experience here in Cayman what it has become today,” said Acting Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott.

“The dive sector remains committed to enhancing its product and the recent sinking of the Kittiwake is one example of how joint efforts between the government and private sector can work to the benefit of our country. We already have indications that divers are thrilled that the Cayman Islands can offer an even more enhanced dive experience with the Kittiwake, which we expect will be also be highly rated by all who dive this wreck,” he added.

The Cayman Islands has also won awards in various other segments of the annually announced best-of-the-best. The islands placed second in the categories of ‘Overall Rating of the Diving’ and ‘Shore Diving’ and were awarded third spot in the categories of ‘Health of Marine Environment’, ‘Visibility’, ‘Underwater Photography’, ‘Diving for Advanced’ and ‘Macro Life.’

Scuba Diving is a widely read print and online magazine within the dive community. Its readers are supplied with underwater photographs, reviews on dive equipment, safety & training advice, environmental issues and highlights of the best dive destinations around the world. The large online following also participate in discussion forums and other interactive media.

For more information about the Scuba Diving magazine award, visit www.scubadiving.com