Building on strong global momentum from acquiring over 100 competitor stores across 47 countries in 2025, PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) continues to grow its Retail and Resort Membership as it celebrates its 60th anniversary as the premier diving organization.
Most recently, Coraya, which is one of the largest dive operator in Egypt, has joined PADI as one of its newest members. With this, they bring more than 140 instructors into the organization’s global professional membership of more than 128,000 professionals worldwide. Collectively, Coraya instructors currently average 5,000 certifications annually, representing a significant contribution to the future growth of the global dive industry. By joining PADI, Coraya will immediately gain access to globally recognized training standards, industry-leading marketing support, and the largest diver audience in the world.
“Looking back at Corayas’ 20-year success story, it is the story of a company that never stopped searching for areas of improvement,” says Hans Heinz Dilthey, Chairman of Coraya Divers. “Following this strategy also for our future development, it was a logical step for us to offer our customers full access to the wide range of benefits that PADI is providing to its partners as the world’s most renowned and widely spread training organization. We are very excited to continue our growth strategy with such a powerful partner.”
“As the demand for diving continues to grow worldwide, dive operations are increasingly choosing organizations that deliver both credibility and results,” said Kristin Valette Wirth, Chief Brand and Membership Officer at PADI Worldwide. “Leading dive operations like Coraya recognize the power of aligning with a brand that divers actively seek out, trust, and ask for.”
Similarly, Diving Lounge aqua QUEST based in Japan experienced significant growth after rejoining PADI in the middle of 2025. As one of the largest dive operators in the country, they have already doubled their certification growth and seen up to a 300% increase in their monthly overall sales since joining the PADI Membership.
“Since returning to PADI, clear results have been confirmed in customer attraction, brand trust, support systems, and business replicability,” says Jun Sawada, the owner of Diving Lounge aqua QUEST. “ I recognize PADI as both an educational organization and an entity possessing systems that support shop operations.”
LAS Diving in China is another major dive operator that has benefited from substantial growth since recently becoming a PADI Member. With a 150% increase in certifications since 2024 and continuing to expand their training facilities in Shanghai and Hangzhou, LAS Diving is on track to become one of the most modern and influential dive operators in the entire country.
“During our transition to PADI, we have clearly recognized that PADI is more than just a training and certification organization; it is a full-fledged platform that truly understands and supports the day-to-day operations of diving centers,” explains Ms. Meiyi Huang, owner of LAS Diving.
“PADI’s global brand influence and dedicated market support in China have delivered tangible benefits to our dive center. Whether it is boosting customer awareness, driving course conversions, or sustaining the promotion of diving as a sport, these advantages have made our daily diving operations more streamlined and instilled us with greater confidence. We are also more resolute than ever in our long-term partnership with PADI China, as we work together to foster the healthy development of the diving industry.
With some of the biggest players in the dive industry, including Coraya, Diving Lounge aqua QUEST and LAS Diving, joining PADI reflects a broader trend among dive operators who are reassessing how brand recognition, digital reach, business tools, and account support directly impact their revenue. This was most recently shown during the 2025 Dive Industry Study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which found that PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are not only the most recognized and respected globally, but that they are also the most successful. The study’s data confirmed that partnering with PADI leads to real business growth, with the average PADI Member earning US$186K more in 2024 than those who were not affiliated with the world’s largest scuba diving organization.
“Choosing PADI is not just a training decision, it’s a business decision,” added Valette Wirth. “Our members join because they want to grow, differentiate themselves, and connect with a global customer base that is passionate about seeking adventure and saving the ocean together.”
To learn more about the benefits of PADI Membership and join the world’s largest diving organization, contact your PADI Regional Office.
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