nov-2017c

4 5 NOV./DEC. 2017 Opening Lines LEADINGHOTEL AND DIVE GROUPSAGREE ON CARIBBEAN COLLABORATION T he Caribbean Hotel and TourismAsso- ciation and the Diving and Equipment MarketingAssociation have agreed towork together to enhance the attractiveness of Caribbean destinations to diving enthusiasts. Amemorandumof understanding between the two nonprofit organizations commits them to advocating for coral reef protection,more coral nurseries,and cleaner seas through the reduction of plasticpollution. The agreement was signed at DEMA’s trade event for the diving,actionwater sports and travel industries, which ended recently inOrlando,Florida. The organizations agreed theywill collaborate on identifying effective and appropriatemeans of gener- ating artificial reefs in the region,as well as partnering with organizations working on reef restoration and coral regeneration. Also agreed uponwas the need to promote and expand dive tourism in the region,and for both as- sociations to educate their members on dive travel and on the potential benefits of dive tourism for the Caribbean,such as increased employment for local populations. Promoting the Caribbean Sea as a safe and feasible