PADI Awards OBLU NATURE Helengeli for Contributions to Women’s Diving
Saturday 20th of July 2024
In recognition of their exceptional contributions to female diving, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and its dive center partner, TGI Maldives, have been honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award from PADI®. This accolade places the Maldives' premier resort on the global map once again for its dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowering women in the dive industry.
PADI, the world's largest purpose-driven diving organization, operates in 180 countries and territories and has issued over 30 million diving certifications. The award to TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli is a significant achievement, highlighting their efforts in breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to explore the underwater world.
To celebrate the occasion, a presentation ceremony was held on the shores of Helengeli island, attended by Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism of the Republic of Maldives; Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for Maldives; and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC). The event included a PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration from July 14th to 17th, featuring ten female journalists from around the world and women dive instructors from TGI Maldives.
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal acknowledged the importance of promoting female diving in the Maldives, stating, "As the world’s most desirable holiday destination, the Maldives has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. The demographic profile of inbound tourists now includes a large portion of female travelers seeking the freedom and independence that our islands offer."
Matt Wenger, PADI’s Regional Manager, added, "Support for female diving has been at the heart of PADI’s philosophy since our inception in 1966. We are thrilled to recognize TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli for their contributions in encouraging more women to seek adventure and save the ocean."
The award also marks the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, a global initiative aimed at increasing inclusivity and belonging for women in the dive industry. OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives have played a crucial role in fostering diversity and creating a welcoming environment for female divers.
From beginners to experienced divers, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a beautiful location for exploring the underwater world. Guests can enjoy ocean scuba diving at well-known dive sites, discover new unexplored locations, or snorkel in vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. The resort’s integration of scuba diving and snorkeling into its overall lifestyle, combined with the ELE|NA spa experience, ensures a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation both underwater and on the island.
Dive center Operations Manager Greta Marcelli and resort General Manager Ali Shakir expressed their gratitude, stating, "Our partnership here at OBLU NATURE Helengeli continually strives to improve guest experiences both on the island and in the ocean. Receiving this award is a testament to the efforts made by all the team in and out of the water."
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is located at the tip of the North Malé Atoll, reachable by a scenic 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.