ODIT France, the agency responsible for supporting tourism has concerns with the shortage of marina berths within the country and is taking steps to solve the problem.
France's national agency for tourism looked at the results of a recent marina capacity study and have concerns with its results. The survey using 2003 data demonstrates a shortfall of 54,000 marina berths throughout the country. Observation, Développement et Ingénierie Touristiques France (ODIT France) has created a committee to help remedy this problem.
The new group includes national representatives in port land use planning, recreational marine manufacturers, and marine trade groups. Representatives of local waterfront governments will participate as well. During initial organization of the committee, it was determined that a series of marina development guides should be prepared that would benefit both public and private groups interested in starting or expanding a marina. Guide topics include drystack storage, permitting requirements, and how to navigate within the regulatory environment.
ODIT France will also be publishing studies on marina economic impacts and how to redevelop former commercial harbors into recreational facilities. Additionally the French agency intends to conduct a national inventory of existing marina facilities and audit future projects that slated to start in the near term,
We know from work conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Center that marinas represent a huge economic impact to waterfront communities. Marinas are major economic engines for their communities.
