East-Med Marinas Network heralds new era in nautical tourism

The companies managing the marinas of Ayia Napa, Rhodes, Symi and Kos have mutually agreed on the foundation of the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network.

The main goal of the Network is to upgrade the marinas’ services to boaters and yacht owners, as well as the further development of nautical tourism in the wider area of Eastern Mediterranean.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the four parties was signed on December 4, 2023, by representatives of the marinas’ managing companies. The signing took place at Ayia Napa Marina’s Event Centre, with competent authority representatives and Republic of Cyprus ministry officials attending. Ayia Napa Marina was represented by Chief Marina Officer Costas Fitiris.

According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the four marinas that are now members of the Network will collaborate to achieve maximum exposure policies, as well as the formation of terms of development and cooperation.

Each member of the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network will participate in actions aimed towards promoting the growth of Mediterranean yachting tourism. At the same time, each will make every effort required to provide high-quality services to the Network’s clients, who will enjoy exclusive benefits from the four marinas’ members.

Furthermore, Network members are committed to the joint organisation of the marinas’ promotional activities, such as conferences, exhibitions and events, trainings and informative seminars for employees on the topics of promotion, development, safety management, international practices and know-how. Lastly, members will exchange opinions on matters regarding alternative green energy sources, to nullify the carbon footprint of their facilities’ operations and the boat-berthing process.

“Today is a significant day for nautical tourism, not only for Cyprus but also for the wider Eastern Mediterranean area,” stated Chief Marina Officer Fitiris, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

“Four marinas, based in Cyprus, Rhodes, Symi and Kos –some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations– join forces with the main goal of upgrading all aspects of our services, and exchanging opinions and expertise for the improvement and growth of nautical tourism, which is a vital sector for the economies of Greece and Cyprus.

“It is only through collaboration and joint understanding that we can not only maintain the high standards of the services that we provide to boaters, but also take things to higher level, one that benefits both our clients and the two countries’ nautical sectors,” he added.

The process of the Memorandum’s signing will conclude at a similar ceremony planned to take place in Athens, over December 6-8, 2023, as part of the Athens Boat Show.

Learn more about Ayia Napa Marina here.