Thanks to the initiative of Councillor Xena Dion, Poole will host European Maritime Day in May 2017. Representatives from the European Commission, Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, visited Poole in November to meet up with Xena and see how Poole is progressing in its plans.
Xena showed her European guests around Poole Harbour and the proposed venue, the Lighthouse Arts Centre. The VIPs were really impressed both with Poole as the chosen host port and with the cultural character of the Lighthouse, which is a change from the plain and functional conference centres in which the event is usually held.
The European Maritime event involves a two day conference, a business to business maritime trade fair, and a family focused maritime festival across Poole. The conference is of international importance and brings together scientists, senior politicians, academics, and influential businesses from a wide variety of maritime sectors – shipbuilding, shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy, environment, tourism and heritage to address the major challenges they face. Economic growth, climate change, sustainable energy, and environmental pressures on the coasts and seas are all topical issues that may be raised.
The event will provide a fantastic opportunity for the town’s economy as it promises to brings in tens of thousands of visitors and will boost the town’s position among the maritime community across Europe.
Cllr Dion, who is Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy and the Environment, said: "This is a unique opportunity to show the world what we have to offer here in Poole. We want it to be a remarkable and memorable event with plans for tall ships, flotillas, a pageant, international shipping, yacht and power boat racing, interactive maritime events, nautical festivities and so much more.
"This event will give a tremendous boost to Poole’s economy. It brings in thousands of visitors - filling our hotels, guesthouses, bars and restaurants and ensuring great trading opportunities for our visitor attractions and shops. We hope the many local businesses who are involved in the maritime industry take the opportunity to promote their products as the Conference brings in the people who are the most influential in that field."
After their visit, the European Commission representatives stated how impressed they were with the progress Poole had made in planning for this important event and of the 'enthusiasm and energy' within the team that made the bid happen.