stevenl
Contributor
Have fun, I'm sure you'll have a nice trip.
Happy, returning guests are very welcome with all DC's.
Happy, returning guests are very welcome with all DC's.
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Another dive shop operator based in phuket in this same thread also stated "As for the coral, I was just at Phi Phi today, and there is quite a lot bleaching." You say a little and she says a lot ?
Based on averages I tend to believe them not you, it seems like you're sugarcoating reality or just in denial.
It does not seem to me that a discussion of coral bleaching on Phi Phi is off topic or "thread hijacking" in a thread about "Opinions on a Dive Trip to Phi Phi...."
After all, these forums are not really designed to be only for dive centers to market their business. There is a designated forum called "Marketplace" as I recall, for marketing.
Most of us realize there is a trade off between an individual's desire to promote their livelihood and the open discussion of topics that could adversely effect that same livelihood.
From the customer perspective, it does get a bit tiring to read constant marketing from a few, not all, DC operators who often will say just about anything to protect their livelihood.
Personally, I prefer to get "opinions" from real customers and not constant marketing and indirect or direct self-promotion.
On the other hand, DCs who are objective, honest and respectful toward customers keep them coming back. Diving is more about people than the color of coral, if you ask me!
OBTW, yesterday I spoke with two DCs on Koh Tao about conditions there, and both honestly advised that the visibility has not been so good lately and advised I look to September, since I live in Thailand. That honesty was much appreciated and wins me as a customer. Thank you!