Illinois’ Richard Smith Appointed Bahamas Dive Ambassador

Richard Smith, owner of Midwest Diving Specialists Scuba Shop in Normal, Illinois, has been appointed as a Dive Ambassador for The Islands of The Bahamas. The historic announcement was made by Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Deputy Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (BMOTA), in light of Mr. Smith’s outstanding work in diving, travel, media relations and his affinity for The Bahamas.

“This is a very special appointment for us,” said Thompson. “It signals our dual belief and commitment to sharing, protecting, preserving and promoting our beautiful environment and natural resources, which for us, are our pristine, crystal-clear waters and rich marine life.”

“Astronauts recently captured the waters of The Bahamas from outer space, and declared it to be the prettiest place on earth. Now, the world will also know of its astonishing underwater beauty, through Mr. Smith’s appointment and work,” said Mr. Thompson.

As a Bahamas Dive Ambassador, Richard will work alongside officials of the BMOTA in promoting the Bahamas’ dive product, at tradeshows, on radio, festivals and other events in his community.

Affectionately called by his radio moniker “Scuba Dick,” Smith is a certified PADI instructor and well-known and respected community leader. Over the years, he has logged more than 3,145 dives, many of which were conducted in his group led trips to Bimini, Nassau, Grand Bahama, Cat Island, Andros and San Salvador, the latter of which he says is his absolute favorite, because of its friendly people.

The cheerful and lighthearted media influencer has, in the past, worked on numerous promotions with the Bahamas Tourist Office in Chicago. ”I look forward to holding many webinars, festivals, and organized Bahamas branded events in Chicago, to further promote The Bahamas, especially its clear blue waters and big animals,” he said..

The Bahamas remains an unspoiled destination offering pristine, crystal clear turquoise waters, with visibility in some places exceeding 200 ft. in depth. The country’s diverse dive experiences, ranging from reef to wreck and exploration of underwater caves to big animal encounters, are well known and have, over consecutive years, won top awards and recognition including Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Best Big Animals, Best Overall Destination, Best Cave Diving, Best Snorkeling, Best Value, Best Wreck Diving, Best Wall Diving, Best Advanced Diving, Best Photography, Best Shore Diving, Best Macro Life and Best Health of Marine Life.

Now open for business, visitors can enjoy the peace, serenity and security provided in The Bahamas’ 700- island chain. For further information and visitor entry requirements, visit www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Media Contact: D. Earnestine Moxyz | emoxyz@bahamas.com | 954-236-9292