Welcome
From the early days of the pandemic , I decided that as long as we were publishing magazines , I would shy away from our normal consumer travel coverage . I felt it would only serve as an insult to most of our readers , who were isolated in their homes and towns for such a long time . As each breakthrough in freedoms came , I made a point of celebrating the regained access to pool training , shore access , boat diving .
This issue , SCUBA reintroduces its Travel Special feature , with a piece about the reality of travel to our favourite destination , the Egyptian Red Sea . While I appreciate that not everyone will feel ready for international travel , this magazine should be addressing the fact that divers are returning to it in significant numbers .
I don ’ t believe for one moment that the pandemic is over , but evidently many nations have begun to handle it in a more assured manner . As we move out of winter and the Omricon spike begins to flatten , I think we ’ ll see more frustrated travellers booking-up . At the moment , Egypt and the Maldives are the destinations reaping the rewards ; but I ’ m sure we ’ ll start to see the South East Asian countries cautiously opening their borders once they are satisfied it is safe to do so .
Hopefully , when summer arrives , we will be able to enjoy our favourite European diving destinations – Malta , Croatia , Cyprus and of course Spain and the Balearics . Meanwhile , out in the Atlantic we have already had access to the Canary Islands , the Azores and Madeira throughout the winter . I cannot claim any special insight into how the Covid situation may evolve in 2022 . However , I can reflect the general feeling among tour operators and divers that things will continue to open up , and more of our freedoms will be returned .
It ’ s great to be back in print for every issue – please write in and let me know what you ’ ve been up to . I ’ m determined to continue giving BSAC members the best possible diving magazine as we move forward , into a brighter future .
Simon Rogerson – Editor simon @ scubamagazine . co . uk
Cover photo : Red Sea anemonefish by Alex Tattersall , Nauticam UK
Missed an issue ?
Visit www . joom . ag / RKQI to view or download our collection of SCUBA back issues
3