- Comprehensive modernisation as a success factor
- Personal commitment and local initiatives
- Enthusiastic feedback from the sailors
- Endelave receives a "pat on the back"
- Further improvements planned for Kerteminde
- Economic stimulus for the region
- Two harbours, one trend: hospitality as a competitive advantage
Kerteminde Marina on the Danish east coast was named "Port of the Year" at the annual FLID port fair on 26 November. The last time the title went to Kerteminde was exactly ten years ago, in 2015. The award is presented following a vote by boaters from all over Denmark. A jury consisting of representatives from Danske Tursejlere, FLID, Dansk Sejlunion, Bådmagasinet and MinBaad then selects the winner from the five harbours that received the most votes in the preliminary vote. According to the jury, the extensive modernisation work carried out in recent years and the excellent level of service were particularly convincing. Harbour master Søren Therkelsen sees the success above all in the personal contact with guests: "We want our guests to stay a little longer in the city and in the harbour," he explained to Danish media on the sidelines of the event. For him, the presence on the jetties, contact at eye level and the creation of a welcoming atmosphere are at the centre of his work.
Last year, the award went to the marina in Sønderborg:
Comprehensive modernisation as a success factor
Kerteminde Marina has undergone extensive expansion and upgrading in recent years. The improvements include a new washing facility, a modern fuelling system and new boat cranes. These investments were part of a development plan for the harbour. Kasper Ejsing Olesen, Mayor of Kerteminde Municipality, emphasises the importance of these measures: "The award shows that the harbour's potential is being exploited more and more, the better the harbour area is connected to the rest of the old merchant district in Kerteminde." In its statement, the jury particularly emphasised the impressive development that the port has undergone in recent years.
Personal commitment and local initiatives
A key success factor for Kerteminde could be the close cooperation with the "Turismens Venner" (Friends of Tourism) association. The association organises free live music every Wednesday, free breakfast rolls for guest sailors on Sundays and personal greetings on arrival. They also offer discounts in shops and restaurants on presentation of the paid harbour dues receipt. The combination of hospitality and good infrastructure is reflected in the sailors' reviews.
Enthusiastic feedback from the sailors
The comments from the voting sailors speak for themselves: "A great harbour with a new jetty and great views," praises one sailor. Others emphasise the helpfulness of the harbour master and the cleanliness of the toilets. The pleasant atmosphere and the simple payment system are also repeatedly mentioned in a positive light. Kerteminde has clearly managed to find the balance that many harbours strive for: modern facilities without losing proximity and personal character.
Endelave receives a "pat on the back"
This year, the special "Pat on the Back of the Year" award, which was presented at the same event, went to the port of Endelave. The award is presented annually to a port that did not make it into the top 5 in the voting, but still deserves to be recognised according to the jury. The choice is based on the comments of the participants who cast their votes. Both awards are endowed with 10,000 DK (1,338 euros).
In Endelave, harbour master Jørgen Holm, who is about to retire, has built up an institution over the years. His philosophy of hospitality is simple: "The sailors feel welcome and at the same time can get lots of practical advice about the island and the harbour. And I'm also sure that they will then go to the machine and pay the harbour fee." Holm is known for his white harbour master's uniform, his presence and his talent for distributing the berths so that everyone finds a place - even when it's packed.
Further improvements planned for Kerteminde
According to the harbour team in Kerteminde, the award only provides even more impetus to tackle the improvements already planned. The marina was part of the harbour development plan that was approved by a large majority of the city council in 2018. This plan is now almost fully implemented, with new housing, retail, promenades and a pier to connect the old industrial harbour and the marina more closely with Kerteminde's historic merchants' quarter. Following the harbour development plan, an overall plan for Kerteminde Marina was drawn up, which sets the direction for further development. The first phase of this development involves the replacement of three jetties in the marina with new floating jetties that will provide additional berths.
Economic stimulus for the region
Henrik Madsen, Chairman of the Committee for Business and Growth in the municipality of Kerteminde, sees the award as an important building block for strengthening Kerteminde's position as a tourist destination. The number of guest sailors at Kerteminde Marina has risen steadily in recent years, as has its popularity with motorhome tourists. It is expected that this trend will continue next year - not least because of the award and because Kerteminde will be the venue for the Danish Golf Championship in August, which is expected to attract 60,000-80,000 visitors, some of whom may also be travelling with their own boat.
Two harbours, one trend: hospitality as a competitive advantage
According to the organisers, this year's awards show a clear development in Danish harbour tourism: sailors pay attention to more than just facilities and prices - they value the overall package, and this is primarily shaped by people. Kerteminde wins because the marina manages to combine service, ambience and city life in a complete package. Endelave is recognised because the island's hospitality is exceptional and based on proximity and personality.
More articles about the precinct:
