Description
Experience teaches us that the positive effects in water sports depend on the way in which development is handled. A marina by itself will have very little impact on its surroundings. In addition to accessibility and position, the surroundings are an important ingredient for success. Water sports will have increased positive effects if the surroundings are a part of the developments. A sound consideration of market possibilities and the effects on the surroundings is essential. For this reason, an integral approach is crucial. Integral in relation to other tourism and leisure facilities, water sports associations in cooperation with government departments and trade and industry and in relation to other policies. Water sports development has to be one element of the total (tourism) policy. This does not mean, however, that the Dutch government has to do it all by itself; the water sports sector is ready to assist with all its expertise! Various positive effects show the value of water sports development. Improving the recreational sailing possibilities is not a task for the water sports sector alone. The Netherlands Board of Tourism, HISWA Association and other partners urge government departments, organizations and companies to make use of the opportunities available and to cooperate with us in a joint approach of the water sports sector. This is the only way to ensure that the water sports sector fulfills its promising potential.