Chinese marinas awarded International Gold Anchor Status

by MIA on 11 Mar 2014 The Wuxi Taihu Shanshui Club and Marina and the Qingdao Olympic Marina in China have both been presented with internationally recognised MIA Gold Anchor accreditation.

At its most recent meeting the Marina Industries Association (MIA) approved awarding Gold Anchor status as part of its MIA International Gold Anchor Rating Scheme for marinas.

MIA President Andrew Chapman made the presentations to Qingdao’s Hu Yipi and Shanshui Marina’s Allen Wu and Wayne Pan earlier this week.

Chapman said 'As the marina industries in China expand it is important that leading marinas such as Qingdao Olympic Marina and Shanshui Marina continue to benchmark against the highest international service and facilities standards. MIA’s Gold Anchor Scheme sets a very high bar. It is a credit to both marinas that they rate highly alongside the best Club marinas in Australia and Singapore.

'The MIA Gold Anchor Committee, in awarding a Gold Anchor rating of 4.5 to Qingdao noted its world class integration within the central business district of Qingdao. The Gold Anchor auditor stated 'the marina provides a welcoming sense of arrival with flags flying on the wide and spacious marina promenade. The marina is a central part of the life of the city and the focus for many celebrations and events.'

The Committee commented that world marinas are increasingly important community social and activity hubs and that Qingdao Olympic Marina is a leading example of this.

Shanshui Marina is located to the west of Shanghai on the picturesque Lake Taihu. The marina achieved a Gold Anchor rating of 5 in recognition of the high quality design, construction, presentation and services for the Club members. The auditor commented on the strength of customer feedback and management’s commitment to a clean, pollution-free environment with extensive water recycling practices and modern workshop areas.

As well as desk top and site audits, the rating takes account of the structured feedback provided by marina berth-holders. Once accredited, an MIA Gold Anchor marina is subject to periodic ‘mystery shopper’ checks to ensure service is being maintained at or above the designated rating.

More at www.marinas.net.au