A recent study, published on July 25 in Cell Reports Sustainability, a journal from Cell Press, reveals that the global scuba diving tourism industry generates approximately USD 20 billion annually. This robust economic activity not only supports coastal communities by employing residents but also makes a significant contribution to marine conservation. These contributions come in the form of both direct financial support and increased public awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The findings position scuba diving not as a niche recreational pursuit but as a powerful economic force with far-reaching environmental implications.
Dr Anna Schuhbauer of the University of British Columbia, lead author of the study, emphasises that scuba diving should be recognised as a major contributor to both economic and ecological sustainability. “Scuba diving is not a fringe hobby,” Schuhbauer states. “It is a multibillion-dollar pillar of the economy that can channel tourists’ dollars straight into coastal communities and ocean protection.” Her comments reflect the growing understanding among conservationists and economists alike that nature-based tourism, when conducted responsibly, can play a dual role in development and preservation. The study aligns with broader trends showing the potential of ecotourism—especially in marine protected areas—to generate revenue without degrading the environment.
Although ecotourism has long been celebrated for its potential to reconcile economic growth with conservation goals, global data quantifying this impact have remained fragmented and incomplete. Schuhbauer and her colleagues sought to address this gap by focusing specifically on scuba diving, one of the most popular forms of marine ecotourism. While previous studies tended to concentrate on specific countries or isolated regions, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive global baseline that could inform future policymaking. As Schuhbauer notes, “Most prior work stopped at local case studies or national snapshots, so its cumulative economic impact—and its potential to contribute to ocean conservation—remained invisible.”
The research involved surveying scuba diving operators worldwide to estimate total revenue, employment figures, and conservation benefits associated with the industry. The team identified roughly 11,590 dive operators across 170 countries, collectively employing about 124,000 individuals, of whom an estimated 80 per cent were local nationals. Annual diver numbers were estimated to be between 8.9 and 13.6 million, generating direct revenues of between $ 0.9 and $ 3.2 billion USD. When broader tourism-related spending is included—such as travel, accommodation, gear rentals, and certifications—the total economic impact ranges between $ 8.5 billion and $ 20.4 billion annually. These figures underline scuba diving’s central role within the global ecotourism landscape.
Notably, the study points out that these estimates are conservative. They do not include additional economic contributions such as the manufacture and sale of diving equipment, nor revenue generated through international dive associations and training bodies. The researchers argue that including these sectors in future assessments would yield an even more comprehensive understanding of the industry’s economic weight. Nevertheless, even with a narrowly defined scope, the findings are persuasive enough to justify more substantial support for community-based marine conservation efforts. The predominance of local employment in the diving sector strengthens the case for integrating tourism into sustainable development strategies, particularly in coastal regions where economic opportunities can be limited.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to establish standardised monitoring systems to track dive tourism metrics with greater accuracy and consistency. This would enable a more refined analysis of trends, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global tourism and altered travel behaviours. Understanding how the scuba industry rebounds—and how it can adapt sustainably—will be vital for both economic planning and environmental management. “These figures are conservative first cuts, providing a global overview and not a detailed country-by-country analysis, so they should guide—not dictate—policy,” Schuhbauer concludes. Her team’s ongoing work promises to offer further clarity on how diving tourism can continue to serve as a bridge between livelihoods and ocean stewardship.
More information: Anna Schuhbauer et al, Global economic impact of scuba dive tourism, Cell Reports Sustainability. DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100435
Journal information: Cell Reports Sustainability Provided by Cell Press