MariEx conference: New directions for the development of harbour towns into maritime experience spaces for visitors
MariEx project open conference: New directions for the development of harbour towns into maritime experience spaces for visitors
The conference will take place on 18 February 2026 in Darłowo, Poland, 10:00 -15:15 .
Polish shore and the South Baltic area are key destinations for coastal tourism, and the authentic port life in its harbour towns is a major attraction for their visitors. As traditional maritime activities decline, many harbours are transforming and developing new forms of “harbour life” that can be equally appealing for tourists while still serving local communities.
The international “MariEx on Tour” Conference brings together international perspectives and practical examples of innovative harbour transformation from the South Baltic area. Through expert presentations, discussion round and joint site visits to pilot actions in Darłowo, participants will explore how such maritime experience spaces can be successfully developed in Polish harbours.
The MariEx project aims to strike a balance by transforming smaller harbours into inclusive “Maritime Experience Points.” This initiative seeks to preserve the interests of traditional port users, land tourists, and local residents alike. A key goal is to create a marketing approach that highlights both the authentic and evolving aspects of harbour life, ensuring the region remains an attractive destination while staying true to its maritime roots.
For many holiday guests, maritime experiences are an essential part of their stay and one of the motivations to visit the region. With a decline of coastal fishery and commercial coastal shipping in smaller ports, however, it is getting more and more difficult to find such occasions in the South Baltic area – and it can be expected that this development is set to continue in the next years. In order to maintain the current destination profile of the South Baltic area, it is high time to find alternative ways to supply holiday guests with the authentic maritime experiences they appreciate. Challenges are thereby to find a proper balance between the wishes of the land tourists and the needs of their “genuine” users, so that the maritime character of the places can be kept alive in an authentic way.
Project funding: Interreg South Baltic Programme with a budget of approx. 2,3 million Euro.
Partners: Tourism Association Vorpommern from Germany as the Lead Partner, Municipality of Kröslin, the Association of Sea Cities and Municipalities based in Gdańsk, Municipality of Darłowo, Administration of Klaipėda District Municipality, Association Klaipėda Region, Hörte Harbour Association, Destination Sydkyst Denmark and the Union of the Baltic Cities.
Union of the Baltic Cities, which is as well a regular partner, takes up mainly the dissemination role in the Project, concentrating its activities on communication, enhancing peer-learning, promoting the results, and organizing two thematic workshops, back-to-back with the UBC events.
2026 02 02 MariEx On Tour Event Darlowo INVITATION & AGENDA EN
More information: projekt.gallas@gmail.com