Thousands of people have visited Fira de Cornellà in this 24th edition that closes doors with a very positive balance from visitors and exhibitors

The 24th edition of the legendary Immersion Show says goodbye today after three intense days of the fair. Thousands of people have come to the Cornellà fairgrounds to learn about the latest developments in the world of underwater activities exhibited at the Mediterranean Diving Show (MDS), an annual meeting point for manufacturers, specialized stores, diving centers and schools, educational institutions, and insurance companies. , specialized agencies and their diving public.

Visitors have been able to confirm the good health of the world of underwater activities in our country. The MDS has brought together more than a hundred exhibitors, of which 35% were new additions. This has been its most international edition with the presence of companies from European countries such as Germany, Portugal, Italy, France, Malta or the United Kingdom, from Africa such as the Seychelles Islands, Tunisia, Mozambique or Egypt, from Asia such as Indonesia , China, the Philippines, the Maldives or Saudi Arabia, or from South and Central America such as Mexico or the Dominican Republic.

The sector’s leading brands have also supported the fair with their presence: Cressi, a leading Italian firm in the design, production and marketing of diving equipment; the French Beuchat, Dynamicnord, a sustainable, dynamic, innovative and global brand based in Germany; PADI, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, with its centers. Ocean Management Systems (OMS) with products recognized worldwide for their innovative and robust design; Garmin Iberia recognized as the most innovative nautical company of 2023 by the publication Soudings Trade Only, the Italian diving equipment manufacturer, Mares, with a range of five product lines for fans of water sports, or Scuba Schools International (SSI ), the largest professional diving training agency

of the world. These are just some of the exhibiting companies that have made a successful and unforgettable edition of the MDS possible.

The wide participation has meant that the show represented all the sectors that have to do with the world of underwater activities: schools and diving centers, specialized travel agencies, promotion of destinations and tourist offices, information on aspects of interest such as insurance and current legislation, cruise offers, manufacturers, presentation of materials, sale of jackets, masks, oxygen bottles, latest generation neoprenes, image capture and lighting equipment… Everything you need to enjoy the background submarine at all levels, whether for professionals, amateurs or athletes.

The edition of the MDS that we say goodbye to has once again highlighted the importance of reflecting on the present and future of the sector. This is the objective of the Professional Technical Conferences held within the framework of the fair. This year we have been able to learn interesting data such as the need to practice environmentally friendly dives, the vital task carried out by the Immersó Biology Club or how climate change affects the seabed.

We have also been able to confirm the importance of the so-called ‘blue economy’, which refers to the economic impact of recreational diving in the areas where it is practiced. Within the framework of the MDS, the General Directorate of Fisheries and Maritime Policy of the Generalitat of Catalonia has presented data from studies carried out with the participation of the Center for Research in Economics and Agroalimentari Development, which put the number of immersion centers in active in Catalonia and which, according to reports, generate a turnover of 37.5 million euros and employ around 740 workers.

The public at the fair also comes in search of new destinations. Once again, Maldives, the Red Sea, Galapagos Islands and Mexico appear among the most popular destinations, but little by little interest is awakened in other more remote depths such as Cape Verde, Mozambique, Malpelo, Australia, Antarctica or diving into the beauty of the crystal clear waters of Okinawa in Japan. Diving on the Mediterranean coast has also aroused the interest of visitors, especially the Costa Brava, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Three intense days of the fair end here, with a more professional audience throughout the first day, and then welcoming a family, sporty and active audience throughout the weekend. An edition that highlights that the underwater activities sector has loyal followers, has the commitment of all the agents involved and is in very good health.