2014 Fotosub Ranks Cuba among International Diving Destinations

2014 International Underwater Photography Event’s immersion sessions taking place in Cuba position the island nation as a dream-like diving destination, because of the environmental preservation. The event, held on May 14-18, follows up on a tradition in this archipelago’s waters that every year lures professionals of this sport coming from around the globe.

Organized by the Tourism Ministry (Mintur is the Spanish acronym), Marlín Náutica y Marinas, Cuban Federation of Underwater Activities (FCAS), with the collaboration of Havanatur and Gran Caribe, it puts on the table a wide range of tourism offers in this country.

Diving particularly stands as a sought-after activity for tourists coming from every corner of Earth, people looking for attractive places with magnificent ecosystem preservation.

Divers love the beauty of such areas as Jardines de la Reina in the south coast, a truly magic place, or Cayo Largo del Sur, where 2014 Fotosub was held.

With an average of 100 thousand immersions a year by at least 25 thousand divers from all over the world, Cuba is set to gain momentum among the most outstanding destinations related to this activity.

The country features 37 International Diving Centers, 551 ideal diving sites, 150 certified guides and a peculiar biodiversity, perfect for this sport, according to official data.

There is also a huge diversity of coral fauna and shipwrecks that enrich the underwater tours, and there are 10 hyperbaric chambers in case of emergency.

In 2000 there were six million certified divers in the world and that number went beyond 10 million later on.

On the other hand, the increase of this activity in Cuba dates back from 1970 in the southwestern region, Isla de la Juventud, Colony Hotel, Archipiélago de los Canarreos, Cayo Largo del Sur.

Reports issued by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) point out that Cuba is ranked among the 27 world diving destination.

Italian diver and photographer Umberto Natoli said to be glad to participate in the present edition of the International Underwater Photography Event, 2014 Fotosub, which took place in this key of Cuba’s southern region.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Natoli’s first visit to Cuba and he expresses his satisfaction for being in this country.
Fotosub counts on the presence of divers from Mexico, Colombia, Spain and Cuba, as well as delegates from Germany and Italy.

Natoli was born in Rome and is a veteran diver, photographer, journalist and writer linked to this practice and cultural topics.

The 35th International Tourism Show of Cuba, 2015FITCuba, to be held in May, will have Italy as honorable guest country, nautical activities as product and Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco) is set to be the venue of this event.