AIR MILES

MARK SPIERS

is vicepresident, training, sales and field services at PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa.

MOST REWARDING TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?

I’ve been privileged to interact with people on a local level. It reinforces to me that people are fundamentally the same, regardless of their nationality or beliefs.

MOST CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE ABROAD?

The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 when I lived in Thailand.

DEEPEST DIVE?

Around 72 metres – it required specialised technical training and planning; it’s beyond recreational scuba limits. Some of the best diving is within 20 metres of the surface.

FAVOURITE DIVING DESTINATION?

I love the Maldives. Last time I was there I was lucky enough to dive with whale sharks.

ANY IN THE UK?

St Abbs near Edinburgh is still one of my favourite spots, with its many soft corals. Cathedral Rock is striking underwater when the sun shines through it.

WHICH DIVE HAS LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION?

I was doing my first night dive in Anglesey and, as I shone my torch around, I spotted a dogfish, then another and another. Hundreds were just sitting stationary in the water.

MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU‘VE SEEN ON A DIVE?

An underwater statue of Christ of the Abyss at Portofino Marine Park in Italy.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO TRAVEL WITH DIVING EQUIPMENT?

Yes it can be, but PADI Dive Centres and Resorts all have equipment to rent. Airlines could help by extending the allowance, just as they do for other sports, such as golf.

HOW DO YOU SETTLE BACK INTO REALITY?

The weightlessness that you experience underwater is very relaxing. Then there are really exciting high-energy dives. The best way I’ve found to deal with this is to plan another trip straight away!

DREAM DESTINATION?

The Galapagos. It’s such a unique destination with so many unusual species of marine life to see.

INDISPENSABLE TRAVEL GADGET?

Twelve South’s AirFly Pro [wireless headphone adapter] to connect my AirPods to any IFE system. It’s especially useful when flying.

IFE PICK?

Amazon’s Kindle. I’m never short of a new book to read. Visit businesstraveller.com for the full interview.