Systematic Review Highlights Supply Chain in Scuba Diving Tourism

A recent systematic review has explored the supply chain dynamics of scuba diving tourism, which involves various stakeholders including certification agencies, equipment suppliers, dive operators, intermediaries, and divers. Conducted by the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management at Kuwait University, the review synthesizes findings from 188 studies published between 2004 and 2026.

The review reveals that only 25 studies, or 13%, consider scuba diving tourism as a multi-actor system, while the majority focus on individual actors. It highlights a significant gap in research concerning equipment supply, with only eight studies addressing this area. The findings indicate that better reef conditions correlate with increased diver demand and pricing, and that operator environmental certifications are linked to reduced reef contact.

The review introduces the Sustainable Scuba Diving Tourism Supply Chain (SSDTSC) framework, which consists of five layers detailing the relationships within the supply chain. It emphasizes the need for further research on intervention studies and the governance of shared dive sites to enhance sustainability in the sector.