Brittany Ferries will hold the 2021 event in Spain, while FRS will manage the 2022 meeting in Morocco
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Global ferry association Interferry is to host its annual conference in Spain in 2021 and Morocco in 2022 as part of its aim to widen its membership base and international influence.
The global trade association’s 46th annual conference will take place in Santander, Spain and will be hosted by Brittany Ferries. The ferry line operates four routes between the UK, the Republic of Ireland and northern Spain, as well as six UK-to France services.
“There is always intense bidding among Interferry members to host what industry professionals acknowledge as a must-attend conference, networking and social events programme,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. “We regard the outcome as a real accolade to our relationship with key decision makers in the Santander region. Numerous meetings with politicians and business leaders demonstrated their total commitment to helping deliver an outstanding event.”
The following year, the event will take place in Marrakesh and Tangier, Morocco, marking the first time it has been held on the African continent. FRS – which operates ferry networks in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and North America – will host the conference sessions in Marrakesh and organise a technical tour to close the five-day event in Tangier.
“We wanted delegates to experience both the cultural diversity and economic importance of Morocco,” said Götz Becker, CEO of FRS. “Marrakesh is where Europe meets Africa and Tangier has been transformed over the past decade due to the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Holding the event in Africa for the first time reinforces Interferry’s mission to be the truly global voice of the industry. We are extremely proud to be so closely involved in such a milestone.”
Following the 2018 event in Cancun, Mexico, the 2019 conference will be held in London, UK and the 2020 meeting will be in Hobart, Tasmania.
“Going to Cancun inspired a number of new members from Central and South America and our community now extends to more than 240 operators and suppliers in 37 countries,” said Mike Corrigan, Interferry CEO. “Our latest choices aim to maintain this momentum in strategically important locations. Strength in unity is crucial at a time when the industry must work together to turn commercial and regulatory challenges into future-proofing opportunities.”