For over 15 years Ernie Arellano has been in the forefront of dive industry innovations for other companies but now Arellano is striking out on his own. Having made a name for himself in the dive travel industry helping people connect with the right destinations as they seek out new adventures, Arellano recently changed directions, transforming his life into the business model he consistently touts. Now Arellano has formed a team, the EGA Group, and he intends to help other small businesses achieve those same connections.

According to Arellano who used to work with Scuba Travel Ventures in San Diego, the market for scuba diving travel is changing rapidly and is much different than just a few short years ago. Arellano believes that businesses have to have a clear plan. "Successful dive travel operations have an integrated plan that involves more than just purchasing some advertising or attending an occasional dive show," Arellano says. "Today's strategies need to include consumer and business-to-business communications, internet and website and social media programs, retail programs including FAM Trips promotions and much more." Dive News Network Publisher Rick Stratton is excited for the fellow dive industry leader. "Ernie has been an inside professional for a lot of years now," Stratton says. "His concept of helping the smaller businesses market effectively runs right in line with what I have been saying for years, we have to help each other. Over the years Ernie has become a mentor for me as well as a friend. It will be interesting to see what he does for other businesses."

The EGA Group is a comprehensive industry resource organization dedicated to targeted marketing, promotion and advertising. Arellano realized as he was working within the dive industry that there was a serious deficient when it came to promoting businesses on both the consumer and business-to-business levels. "Something needed to be done and so many people were coming to me and asking questions," Arellano says. "I felt drawn to do something so we started EGA." Arellano has always been a highly sought after marketing professional and is suited to lead a team in innovative new approaches to marketing and promotion.

The EGA Group will work to provide a customized and comprehensive program that meets the individual needs of the dive travel companies it helps as well as others in the dive industry. Plans will be geared towards the type of business presented. "A live-aboard vessel's program could be different a land-based resorts while a tourist board's needs are unique to their specific destination," Arellano says.

Arellano is excited to share the EGA Group with the rest of the dive industry so they exhibited at the DEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas. For more info on EGA visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (619) 972-0804.