Tourism authority Visit Malta is set to launch a new agent training module focused on boosting the trade’s knowledge of diving opportunities across the archipelago.
Around 7% of the 2.4 million tourists which visit Malta each year come to dive at more than 100 sites.
More than 600,000 Britons take the three-hour flight from the UK to Malta annually.
The new training module will include lessons on where to stay, how to learn to dive and top sites and will be uploaded to the tourism board’s website in March.
Agents will receive a certificate via email once they have successfully completed all the lessons and correctly answered questions at the end of the module.
More: Dublin Port appeals for funding to accommodate larger ships
WTM 2019: Gambia tries to fill Thomas Cook void
Trade marketing manager UK & Ireland Natalie Swinburne said Malta represented an option for divers of all abilities.
Agencies – such as Planet Travel and Dive Worldwide – were currently selling diving holidays to Malta and Kuoni had expressed an interest in expanding its product offering in the country.
Swinburne said: “If selling diving is not on your radar take the training, otherwise you may miss out on that sale.
“Malta speaks English, the country offers great value for money and you can dive pretty much anywhere.”