PADI

PADI Travel is the scuba dive-focused online travel agency (OTA) arm of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), launched in 2018 ([www.sportdiver.com](https://www.sportdiver.com/padi-launches-all-new-padi-travel#:~:text=01%2F25%2F2018%C2%A0)). It operates a global booking platform for dive vacations, liveaboards, resort stays, courses and reef adventures, built on technology from Diviac (a dive-travel startup acquired by PADI) ([www.sportdiver.com](https://www.sportdiver.com/padi-launches-all-new-padi-travel#:~:text=With%20each%20dive%20operator%E2%80%99s%20unique,level%20travel%20consultancy%2C%20offering)). The platform offers users "hundreds of dive destinations around the world" ([www.padi.com](https://www.padi.com/ar/node/9971#:~:text=PADI%20Travel%C2%AE%C2%A0is%20a%20global%20travel,dive%20destinations%20around%20the%20world)) – in practice featuring thousands of bookable scuba experiences (over 7,100 as of 2023 ([djangostars.com](https://djangostars.com/case-studies/padi-travel/#:~:text=By%202023%2C%20the%20PADI%20Adventures,fun%20dives%2C%20courses%2C%20and%20liveaboards))) spanning 80+ countries. PADI Travel’s customer base is scuba divers worldwide (recreational and professional) seeking to book structured dive holidays. The site positions itself as best-in-class for dive travel, with 24/7 support from PADI-trained dive-travel experts and diver-specific features like free DAN insurance on qualifying trips and carbon-offset contributions ([travel.padi.com](https://travel.padi.com/why-book-with-us/#:~:text=Free%20DAN%20Dive%20Insurance)) ([travel.padi.com](https://travel.padi.com/why-book-with-us/#:~:text=Diver)), reflecting PADI’s environmental ethos. From a supplier perspective, PADI Travel serves as a niche distribution channel aimed at dive operators. PADI markets it as a way for liveaboards and dive resorts to “tap into new customer sources, increase bookings and reduce administration” ([www.sportdiver.com](https://www.sportdiver.com/padi-launches-all-new-padi-travel#:~:text=user%20friendly%20experience%20to%20research%2C,a%20startup%20dive%20travel%20company)). To list products, a dive center or resort typically contacts PADI Travel (e.g. a dedicated staff contact) and provides details of their offerings. The standard arrangement uses a commission model: in PADI’s agreement, dive operators pay a 20% commission on customer bookings (calculated on the total inclusive trip price) ([www.scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/919269819/Appendix-Service-Provider-Invoices-Payments-and-Commissions-docx-1#:~:text=where%20public%20rates%20have%20been,Provider%20agrees%20to%20invoice%20PADI)). This applies even when bookings are cancelled and fees retained ([www.scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/919269819/Appendix-Service-Provider-Invoices-Payments-and-Commissions-docx-1#:~:text=where%20public%20rates%20have%20been,the%20previously%20provided%20rate%20schedule)). Suppliers invoice PADI Travel for each confirmed booking according to the agreed terms ([www.scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/919269819/Appendix-Service-Provider-Invoices-Payments-and-Commissions-docx-1#:~:text=24,so%20may%20result%20in%20delayed)), and PADI Travel then remits payment on a weekly cycle after each trip’s completion ([www.scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/919269819/Appendix-Service-Provider-Invoices-Payments-and-Commissions-docx-1#:~:text=24,borne%20by%20the%20Service%20Provider)). Typical payment methods are via bank transfer or payment platform (with major currencies like USD, EUR). Through PADI Travel’s portal, suppliers upload availability and manage their listings. For example, PADI encourages individual Dive Centers to register via its affiliate program to participate in PADI Travel ([pros-blog.padi.com](https://pros-blog.padi.com/padi-travel-affiliate-program/#:~:text=If%20you%20haven%E2%80%99t%20already%2C%20register,commission%20for%20any%20bookings%20made)). PADI Travel is a significant player in the scuba travel market. It has grown rapidly since launch (ensuring one of the largest inventories of dive trips online), processing thousands of bookings and listing over a thousand PADI-area shops as of 2023 ([djangostars.com](https://djangostars.com/case-studies/padi-travel/#:~:text=By%202023%2C%20the%20PADI%20Adventures,fun%20dives%2C%20courses%2C%20and%20liveaboards)). It is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (PADI’s global HQ), and leverages PADI’s global dive network (6,600+ dive shops and 29 million certified divers worldwide ([www.padi.com](https://www.padi.com/ar/node/9971#:~:text=PADI%C2%AE%20,divers%20by%20divers%2C%20PADI%20is))) to drive traffic. The company highlights its market position with industry awards (Scuba Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice) and its specialized focus on diving vs general OTAs. For suppliers, PADI Travel offers vetted access to the large community of PADI divers and professional marketing support (e.g. co-branded conservation initiatives) in exchange for the standard OTA commission/payout terms ([www.padi.com](https://www.padi.com/ar/node/9971#:~:text=PADI%20Travel%C2%AE%C2%A0is%20a%20global%20travel,dive%20destinations%20around%20the%20world)) ([www.scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/919269819/Appendix-Service-Provider-Invoices-Payments-and-Commissions-docx-1#:~:text=where%20public%20rates%20have%20been,Provider%20agrees%20to%20invoice%20PADI)).