Through history, harbours generally have had a strong impact in the economy and society. Nowadays, even though the seacoast towns do not depend, as in the past, of the strictly maritime activities, a marina is a key factor for the development of its hinterland, and generates a great diversity of economic activities (sports, industry and services), of sources of income and of employment for the cities.
The highest concentration of leisure boating activity in Europe is in the Mediterranean and the Sea is the choice of almost 70% of Europe’s boat-owners for holiday recreation. Marinas and harbours in this important area need to satisfy the current demand for berth space. It is also necessary to encourage the development of new yachting harbours to ensure the continued growth of recreational boating whilst preserving and maintaining the nautical environment.
The Conference will also feature an exhibition space open to companies manufacturing and distributing products and services for the marina industry.
The idea is to carry out this conference from time to time, between Mediterranean and Northern Europe and Atlantic Arc countries, so that these relationships and synergies created in the first edition, linger on and guarantee a sustainable development of nautical activities and of marinas in Europe.