ICOMIA welcomes the Portus Ganda, a marina in Ghent, Belgium to the ICOMIA Marinas Group

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations – ICOMIA – is the international trade association representing the global marine industry since 1966. ICOMIA brings together marine industry associations from across the world in one global organisation and represents them at an international level, presenting a strong and united voice when dealing with issues challenging the industry. Today ICOMIA welcomes Jachthaven Portus Ganda  as a member of the ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG), which seeks to improve the sharing and exchange of information with respect to the development and best practice management of marinas, boat storage facilities, boating access and associated infrastructure throughout the world. Portus Ganda – officially opened in 2005 – is the nautical gateway to the city of Ghent, located at the historic confluence of the Scheldt with the Leie close to the city center. The yachting harbor is conceived as a “passers-by harbor”, which means that the water tourist (even in peak season) has the best chance of mooring his vessel and being able to step ashore immediately. Portus Ganda offers one night stays and holidays, as well as a limited number of places for longer stays. Rudy Van der Ween, from the City of Ghent Tourism Office, said:    “It is thanks to Steven Desloovere, the General Manager of the Vlaamse Jachthaven Nieuwpoort, that we were introduced to ICOMIA and learned about the interesting activities of this international network (publications, website, conferences, etc.).By becoming a member we want to strengthen the Flemish representation in ICOMIA and share experiences and best practice information with the members of other nationalities.ICOMIA is an important body for us because it is the world leader in the interests of the recreational marine industry. Their know-how is unique.”Since July 2019 a new pleasure craft legislation has become applicable in Belgium.  This renewal is organised around two pillars: administrative simplification and increased safety. Portus Ganda will investigate what effects this will have on the nautical industry and marinas, and hope to both share learnings with learn from the ICOMIA network. Click for more information on Portus GandaClick to view details of all ICOMIA members If you are interested in ICOMIA membership, please contact trudie@icomia.com 20 August 2019