Mar 20, 2016

The 2016 International Nautical Congress of Colombia has confirmed an impressive roster of keynote speakers for this one-time summit, scheduled for April 27-29 in Cartagena de Indias. Key speakers for this congress feature dignitaries from Colombia, addressing Colombia as one of the premier emerging boating markets and its future potential and opportunity for the global marine industry. The Congress will open with a keynote address from Dr. Díaz-Granados Guida of the Inter-American Development Bank and Minister Cecilia Alvarez Correa from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism (MINCIT).

Confirmed Key Speakers to date:

– Executive Director Dr. Díaz-Granados Guida, representative for Colombia and Ecuador of the Inter-American Development Bank

– Minister Cecilia Alvarez Correa, MINCIT

– Vice-Minister Sandra Howard, MINCIT

– Vice-Admiral Pablo Emilio Romero Rojas of DIMAR, Colombia’s National Maritime Authority

The MINCIT has publicly declared the development of Nautical Tourism in Colombia a top priority. In fact, in 2010, the Colombian government invested in the development of the first Cruising Guide to Colombia, complete with 72 IHO-compliant navigational charts. As one of the keynote speakers to address this priority, Dr. Diaz-Granados holds a long-standing commitment for the development of nautical tourism in Colombia and is credited with jumpstarting the effort and focus that is so important to Colombia’s national government.  

“For the national government of Colombia, growing the recreational boating industry is a priority,” stated Antonella Farah, executive director of the newly formed trade association, ANC. “The Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, German Vargas Lleras, has placed a high sense of commitment to recreational boating by, for the first time in 17 years, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for marina development and evaluating marine regulations.”

Attendees will participate in two days of networking and education to learn about growth opportunities in Colombia. The Congress will also feature breakout sessions as well as a marina tour to give attendees a glimpse of some of the existing boating infrastructure and facilities.  Topics to be covered throughout the Congress include “Why Colombia? Why Now?”, “A Drone’s View of Marina Development in Colombia”, and “Understanding the Needs of the Colombian Marine Market.”

Limited registration is still available. Marine industry association representatives, boat builders, accessory and component manufacturers, dock and marine equipment manufacturers, marina developers, yacht and charter brokers, investors, maritime attorneys and insurance representatives, and tourist agents are all encouraged to attend. Given recreational boating’s growth potential in Colombia, marine industry professionals from around the globe will want to participate in this premier conference.

For more information on the International Nautical Congress of Colombia and to register for the event, visit www.colombianautica.com.

To learn more about becoming an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, contact the NMMA at international@nmma.org or contact NMMA’s Julie Balzano directly at jbalzano@nmma.org.