More tourists attracted to scuba diving holidays in Florida's Vandenberg Artificial Reef

The calm and warm waters of Florida's tropical coast seem to be attracting more visitors than ever, especially those heading to the Vandenberg Artificial Reef, which has lately drawn a large number of holidaymakers after it received an award for its conservational efforts.

The artificial reef, whose full name is Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is located in the Florida Keys and was recently the proud receiver of the Phoenix Award, given by the Society of American Travel Writers. The honouring title awarded was announced during the organisation's yearly convention in New Zealand and upong its bestowement many tourists became interested in the reef's amazing conditions for scuba diving.

Image by Praecere, on Flickr.

An unidentified Phoenix committee member, talked about the artificial reef's positive impact on the local underwater ecosystem and how it helped attract more enthusiastic divers to spend scuba diving holidays in the Florida Keys. The member wrote in a SATW news release: "The creation of the Vandenberg Reef is a profound example of how business, environmental and marine biology experts can work together to promote and maintain a valuable infrastructure that attracts tourists from around the world,"

The Vandenberg, a former Army troop transport ship and Air Force missile tracking vessel, is a 13-year project in the making that draws many curious scuba divers eager to embark on historical scuba diving adventures. The ship was scuttled about 7 miles south of Key West on 27th May, 2009.

Image by Praecere, on Flickr.

However delighted they were upon receiving this latest recognition, the Phoenix Award is not a first for the Florida Keys. Past awards have been awarded to various organisations in the area including The Turtle Hospital, Old Town Key West Development, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and Crane Point Hammock.

"We are privileged the Vandenberg project has been recognized for its environmental and economic contributions by such an influential group of travel communicators. The award will provide even more awareness for Keys artificial reefs and the value they have in providing a way to preserve our military history, as well as taking dive pressure off natural coral reefs." - said Rita Irwin, a tourism council chairperson.

A formal Phoenix award presentation is scheduled to take place in the Florida Keys sometime in the near future.

Founded back in 1969, the Phoenix Awards recognise preservation, conservation, beautification and environmental accomplishments as they relate to travel and the booming scuba diving holidays industry. The Vandenberg project was among four North American tourism projects chosen and The Vandenberg Phoenix award submission was sponsored by North Carolina freelance journalist Lynn Seldon.