The International Sea Fair celebrates its 15th edition at the Sanapú dock in the capital of Gran Canaria, from May 22nd to 24th
The organization is still accepting registrations for exhibitors.
The International Sea Fair will welcome Martinique as its guest territory at its 15th edition. This prominent role, traditionally reserved in previous years for cities closely linked to the sea in the Atlantic region, extends for the first time to the other side of the ocean at this year's event, which will take place from May 22nd to 24th at the Sanapú dock in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Both the Caribbean island (a French overseas region) and the Canary Islands archipelago are considered outermost regions (ORs) by the European Union. The visit of a delegation from Martinique will foster an interesting exchange of experiences and perspectives on the blue economy and the challenges of being territories far removed from EU centers. It also extends the reach of Fimar, the islands' main event for the marine, maritime, and nautical sectors, to the other side of the Atlantic.
The International Sea Fair is an event promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Council and the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council and Ports of Las Palmas, and organized by Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria and the City of the Sea Council of the Gran Canaria capital.
Outermost Regions and the Sea
Outermost Regions and the Sea is precisely the theme chosen for Fimar 2026. The fair thus highlights the strategic role that the blue economy, marine innovation, and Atlantic cooperation play for these territories. These are decisive factors for growth and development within a sustainable framework and with environmentally responsible integration.
Martinique, located in the Lesser Antilles, in the heart of the Caribbean, represents the paradigmatic example of a territory that demands an adequate implementation of the so-called blue economy, which is based on activities related to the sea.
Its exclusive economic zone is twice the size of the island itself, encompassing 48.000 square kilometers and including a marine area of exceptional richness. With its rugged terrain, fragile natural heritage, and facing the challenges of climate change, Martinique now faces the challenge of building a future based on its seas, its coasts, and its biodiversity.
Thus, the main concerns on the island, as far as the design of its economic future is concerned, delve into the conservation of coral reefs or mangroves, the adoption of renewable energies such as wind or wave power, the promotion of new forms of sustainable tourism and the development of an innovative ecosystem in which technology contributes to a more stable and secure habitat.
Martinique's presence at Fimar opens a door to collaboration with the Canary Islands on shared issues, allowing both territories to showcase their progress and initiatives within the framework of the outermost regions (ORs). These are the French overseas territories, the Portuguese regions of the Azores and Madeira, and the Canary Islands, all of which can access aid and support mechanisms to help offset the disadvantages they face due to their insularity or small size.
Partners at Twinned by Stars
It is worth noting that Martinique and Gran Canaria Starlight Destination are collaborators in the Twinned by Stars project, which aims to boost the competitiveness of the maritime tourism sector in the Outermost Regions (ORs), while also contributing to the protection of marine biodiversity, the conservation of cultural heritage, and the development of marine astrotourism. The consortium promotes initiatives in this area between the public and private sectors.
Martinique's role in this initiative, which also includes Gran Canaria and is coordinated by the TIDES Institute of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is especially relevant in this edition of Fimar, which gives a prominent role to Gran Canaria Starlight Destination, to promote sustainability and sky observation, and reinforcing the connection between the sea, the sky and the protection of the environment.
Twinned by Stars also includes the ULPGC Science and Technology Park, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster and various entities from the Azores and Madeira, among other partners.
Countdown to Fimar
The 15th edition of the International Sea Fair will be held from May 22nd to 24th at the Sanapú dock in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The event will once again showcase the latest trends in areas such as recreational boating, nautical activities, fashion, rescue, and the marine, maritime, and port sectors. It will bring together key players in the Canary Islands' blue economy, from companies and firms to researchers, experts, managers, public administrations, academic institutions, and sports clubs and organizations.
In addition, the organization is finalizing the usual leisure program for the visiting public, with exhibitions and competitions on the water, guided tours, a children's and gastronomic area and other attractions for a family audience.
Exhibitor registration
Fimar is still accepting exhibitor registrations. You can access the registration process at the following link:
https://feriainternacionaldelmar.com/formulario-expositores.
