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About the Congress
A structured platform for dialogue with a focus on lasting impact
Spain has more than 360 marinas and recreational ports managing nearly 130,000 berths along 8,000 kilometres of coastline. They are strategic infrastructure with the capacity to generate employment, attract investment, boost nautical tourism and drive the economic and social development of the coast. However, outdated concession regimes, fragmented governance structures and insufficient investment prevent them from reaching their full potential.
The 2nd Marinas de España Congress brings together directors and managers of marinas and recreational ports from across the country alongside representatives from public administrations, the business sector, academia and international experts with a clear objective: to identify the obstacles holding back the sector and agree on specific courses of action to position Spanish marinas as European benchmarks for management, sustainability and territorial dynamism.
Following the success of the 1st Congress in Sotogrande, this second edition delves deeper into the sector's major challenges through two differentiated days: on Wednesday 4th, a Technical Day with five working commissions where port professionals will address the operational and day-to-day management aspects; and on Thursday 5th, an Institutional Day (open to the public) with keynote addresses, parallel sessions for each of the four thematic tracks and the signing of the Canary Islands Pact.
A congress designed to deliver tangible outcomes: conclusions by track, institutional commitments and roadmaps that will shape the sector's agenda for the years ahead.
Programme
Technical Day on Wednesday, Institutional Day on Thursday
Wednesday 4 November
Technical Day — Working commissions
Operations and Maintenance
- —Operational management of recreational port facilities
- —Preventive and corrective infrastructure maintenance
- —Operational safety and emergency protocols
- —Resource optimisation and daily operational efficiency
Administration and Commercial
- —Administrative and commercial management models for marinas
- —Client acquisition and retention strategies
- —Pricing policies, tariffs and value-added services
- —Digitalization of administrative processes and customer service
Sustainability and Environment
- —Green transition of recreational port infrastructure
- —Environmental management, certifications and best practices
- —Energy efficiency and renewable energy in marinas
- —Protection of marine and coastal biodiversity
Legal and Tax
- —Concession regime and administrative simplification
- —Regulatory framework for nautical and port activities
- —Taxation applicable to marinas and recreational ports
- —Civil liability and insurance in the port sector
Strategy and Sector
- —Strategic positioning of the marina sector in Spain
- —Nautical tourism, superyachts and high-value segments
- —Technological innovation applied to port management
- —Cross-sector cooperation and institutional relations
Canary Islands Pact for Marinas and Sustainable Coastal Development
The highlight of the Institutional Day: the signing of a historic collective commitment between public administrations, the business sector and territorial stakeholders to drive the sustainable development of Spanish marinas.
Public administrations at different levels, autonomous communities, port managers and sector companies will sign a document establishing shared principles and specific courses of action for the future of marinas across Spain.
The Pact aspires to become a reference framework for public policies in the sector, designed to endure beyond the congress itself, with a commitment to follow-up in future editions.
Key Commitments
Recognise marinas as strategic infrastructure for coastal development
Promote coordination between administrations to simplify port management
Drive the modernisation of facilities and the green transition
Encourage investment and public-private collaboration in the sector
Develop nautical tourism as a vector for economic diversification
Sponsors
Companies and institutions that make this congress possible
Discover Gran Canaria
A miniature continent in the heart of the Atlantic
Gran Canaria is much more than sun and sand. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island offers extraordinary landscape diversity: from the desert dunes of Maspalomas to laurel forests, volcanic ravines, charming villages and a 236 km coastline that invites sailing and water sports.
A Special Nature Reserve with a unique dune landscape in Europe, next to a 6 km beach. Just 5 minutes from the congress venue.
A natural monument and symbol of Gran Canaria. A basalt monolith at 1,813 m altitude with spectacular views of the island and Mount Teide.
Known as “Little Venice”, this picturesque fishing village combines canals, bougainvillea and one of the most tranquil beaches on the island.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
30 minutes from Meloneras by motorway. Direct connections with Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao and major European capitals.
Canarian cuisine
Papas arrugadas with mojo, Guía flower cheese, gofio, Canarian sancocho and fresh Atlantic fish. Fine dining and beachside restaurants.
November weather
Temperatures of 22–25°C with over 300 days of sunshine a year. November is ideal: mild climate, no crowds and perfect for outdoor activities.
Venue & Accommodation
Pasito Blanco, Expo Meloneras and the finest hotels in the south of Gran Canaria
Host Marina
Marina Pasito Blanco
Pasito Blanco is an exclusive marina located in the south of Gran Canaria, between Arguineguín and Maspalomas. With 384 berths, a boatyard, 75-tonne travelift and a privileged setting, it is the host marina of the 2nd Spanish Marinas Congress. Its yacht club and first-class facilities make it the perfect setting for the congress closing cocktail dinner.
www.pasitoblanco.comCongress Location
Expo Meloneras
The Expo Meloneras convention centre, integrated into the Lopesan Costa Meloneras complex, offers 14,000 m² of space and 24 conference rooms. It is one of the most modern and versatile venues in the Canary Islands for congresses and professional events. The plenary sessions, parallel sessions and working commissions of the congress will take place here.
Official Hotels
The following Lopesan Group hotels are the official hotels of the 2nd Spanish Marinas Congress. They are the only accommodations with free transfer service to the congress venues and exclusive discounts for attendees.
All hotels are located in the Meloneras-Maspalomas area, just minutes from Expo Meloneras and Pasito Blanco. To benefit from special rates, mention that you are attending the Spanish Marinas Congress when making your reservation.
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
The most iconic hotel in the south of Gran Canaria. Canarian colonial architecture, 105,000 m² area, 6 pools, 3,500 m² Om Spa and direct access to the Maspalomas Dunes.
Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso
Inspired by a traditional Canarian village, with cobbled streets, squares and fountains. Leading thalassotherapy in Europe, saltwater pools and signature gastronomy.
Lopesan Baobab Resort
A themed resort inspired by Africa, with lush tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and a unique immersive experience. Ideal for families and nature lovers.
La Colección Faro de Maspalomas
Luxury boutique hotel next to the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse. Exclusivity, tranquillity and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Adults only.
Exclusive Transfer Service
Attendees staying at these official hotels will have free transfer service between the hotels, Expo Meloneras and Pasito Blanco during the congress days. Transfers from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) will also be arranged for attendees who request them.
Registration
The meeting point for executives, managers and professionals in the nautical sector
Registrations will open soon
We are finalising the programme details and registration options. We will inform you as soon as they are available.
Contact
Have any questions about the congress? Get in touch