On 23 November, EBI, together with many other boating sector representatives, participated in the Online MedSkippers Conference. This was the final conference of a project funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The event covered the status of the charter sector in the Mediterranean and the main problems faced by the industry, its future expectations, and how professional skippers can contribute to consolidating the Mediterranean as a worldwide nautical tourism destination.

EBI Secretary General Philip Easthill took part in the opening session and presented the role and activities of EBI in representing the boating sector in the EU, highlighting that boating is a key part of the EUs blue economy and tourism landscape and requires more prioritization in EU policy-making. He also stressed on the importance of strengthening the profile of professional skippers and improve education at national level, as well as the need for a mutual recognition framework at the EU level, which would represent an added value of around 150€ million per year.

 He also moderated a panel discussion focused on the future of the charter sector in Europe with Martina Hrsak (COO, MMK Systems), Gonzalo León Álvarez (Industry Manager, Zizooboats), Paris Loutriotis (President, Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association), Christos Petreas (Scientific Advisor, Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association), and José Luís Fayos (Technical Advisor, Spanish Marine Trade Association ANEN). The full event can be re-watched on the website of the project: https://medskippersevent.com/