Greece and Cyprus are joining forces to boost nautical tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean through the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network (EMMN). The partnership between the marinas of Ayia Napa, Rhodes, Symi, and Kos aims to enhance the boating experience, promote sustainable practices, and share maritime heritage.
What is the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network (EMMN) and its purpose?
The Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network (EMMN) is a strategic partnership formed by the marinas of Ayia Napa, Rhodes, Symi, and Kos to enhance nautical tourism. Its purpose is to improve the boating experience, create a cohesive promotional strategy, and promote sustainable practices, aiming for a zero environmental footprint. The collaboration includes joint promotional activities and the sharing of maritime heritage.
Unveiling the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network
In a strategic move to bolster nautical tourism, the marinas of Ayia Napa, Rhodes, Symi, and Kos have come together to form the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network (EMMN). This initiative, announced on a brisk Monday morning, lays the foundation for a promising boost in the regional nautical tourism sector.
The partnership aims to amplify the leisure boating experience by enhancing the services offered to boat owners. The marinas of these iconic destinations are setting a precedent for collaborative development in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A Pact for Progress
Representatives from each of the managing companies gathered at the scenic Ayia Napa marina for the official signing of the cooperation memorandum. It’s more than just a piece of paper; it’s a beacon for future growth. The agreement is clear in its intent: to create a cohesive promotional strategy, foster conditions ripe for development, and pave the way for mutual cooperation.
The EMMN embodies the spirit of synergy. Each member marina is set to participate in a series of activities. These initiatives are designed to promote yachting tourism and share the rich nautical heritage of the Mediterranean with the rest of the world.
Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability
As part of their pledge, the network will provide top-tier services exclusively for clients across the four marinas. Planned joint promotional activities, including seminars, exhibitions, and events, are in the pipeline. These endeavors aim to increase visibility and educate on best practices regarding promotion, development, safe management, international standards, and cutting-edge technology.
The EMMN is not only looking to the present but also to the future. They are actively exploring alternative green energy sources. The goal? To achieve a zero environmental footprint in the operations and mooring of vessels. It’s an ambitious vision, with sustainability as the cornerstone of their operations.
Voices of the EMMN
Stavros Karamondanis, CEO of the Ayia Napa marina, and Kostas Fytiris, the marina’s director, both expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. They see it as a cornerstone for enhancing and upgrading the nautical tourism landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean. Their words resonate with the historical maritime connection shared between Greece and Cyprus.
Vasileios Politis, director of the Symi marina, pointed out the swift formation of the network—just 30 days. This rapid development underscores the commitment to facilitating cooperation between the marinas amidst an increase in Cypriot visitors to the Greek islands.
Antonis Drosos, CEO of the Kos marina, proudly referred to his marina as a guidepost for the entire region, not just for the network.
Celebratory Plans
An upcoming event in Athens is set to celebrate the establishment of the EMMN. The grand occasion will coincide with the Athens Boat Show, taking place from December 6 to 8. This event will further highlight the collaborative efforts of the marinas and showcase the potential of the Eastern Mediterranean as a top destination for nautical tourism.
Quick Recap
- Greece and Cyprus have formed the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas Network (EMMN) to boost nautical tourism in the region.
- The purpose of the EMMN is to enhance the boating experience, promote sustainable practices, and share maritime heritage.
- The partnership aims to amplify the leisure boating experience and create a cohesive promotional strategy.
- The network will provide top-tier services exclusively for clients across the four marinas and explore alternative green energy sources for a zero environmental footprint.
- The EMMN will celebrate its establishment at the Athens Boat Show in December.
