Media Releases

'Golden ticket' to dive the Great Barrier Reef

10 August 2011

One lucky scuba diver and a friend will win a once-in-a-lifetime dive trip to Queensland's Great Barrier Reef if they are the 20 millionth diver registered with PADI, Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt said today.

Ms Jarratt said the winner could come from anywhere in the world.

"The Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) was founded in 1996 and has chosen the Great Barrier Reef to celebrate the issuing of its 20 millionth dive certification," Ms Jarratt said.

"I think it's only appropriate that the world's premiere dive-training organisation celebrates this incredible milestone at the world's premiere dive destination.

"The 20 millionth dive certification is expected to be issued in late August or early September and the lucky recipient will win a free trip for two to Queensland.

"Anyone from any country undertaking a dive certification with PADI is eligible, including Australians.

"Additionally, the PADI dive instructor who issues the 20 millionth certification will receive a free dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

"This is great news for our tourism operators along the length and breadth of the Great Barrier Reef, as PADI will be promoting its milestone and our natural wonder of the world."

Ms Jarratt said PADI would support the state's dive market by highlighting the excellent travel and dive opportunities in Queensland.

"The campaign will be promoted on padi.com and PADI social media sites, in the PADI e-newsletters, Sport Diver Magazine and include publicity in diving and non-diving publications," she said.

"Tourism Queensland is supporting the 20 millionth diver campaign by providing airfares, accommodation and tours for the winners and will help publicise the campaign through its media channels, particularly in the US where PADI has a majority of members."

The Islands of the Great Barrier Reef ranked fifth in the magazine's World's Best Awards 2011 'Top Ten Islands' category and number one in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region as voted by readers, who ranked their favourite hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines and airlines.

More information about the PADI 20 millionth diver campaign is available at www.padi.com