SMIA at Internautica 2025: A New Vision
SMIA at Internautica 2025: A New Vision and a Clear Call for Collaboration in Slovenia’s Nautical Industry
Portorož, 22 May 2025
The Slovenian Marine Industry Association – SMIA – unveiled its renewed vision, strategic goals, and new leadership team during the opening of this year’s Internautica. A press conference was held where the newly appointed President, Matjaž Murko, presented the association’s direction and called on all companies operating in the Slovenian nautical sector to join forces.
On this occasion, SMIA also held its regular General Assembly, during which members unanimously appointed a new leadership team and approved a revitalisation programme for the association.
Appointed were:
- President and Chairman of the Board: Matjaž Murko (Mennyacht Group)
- Vice Presidents: Matjaž Pavlinjek (ROTO Group) and Tone Britovšek (IRM – Marina Master)
- Board Members: Miha Zupanc (Marina Portorož), Vladimir Zinchenko (SVP Greenline Yachts)
- Director of the Revitalisation Project: Fiorenzo Lupieri, who together with the President prepared the new development strategy for the 2025–2029 period.
Key goals include strengthening collaboration among members, increasing exports, and promoting Slovenian know-how and services internationally. Particular emphasis is also placed on supporting small businesses, education, and participation in EU projects.
“I believe SMIA, by connecting all stakeholders – from industry and tourism to academia – will become the leading development force of Slovenia’s nautical sector. Together we can achieve far more than alone. That is why we have developed a new strategy for the association and are working to bring in the majority of relevant actors in the Slovenian nautical sector.
Our aim is not only to represent members, but to bring them tangible benefits – from advocating more efficient legislation to building new business connections, particularly abroad. We believe in the power of collaboration, data, and professional networks,” said President Matjaž Murko.
SMIA provides both operational and strategic support to businesses – from joint participation in trade fairs, to assistance in securing funding and developing international opportunities.
Looking back, SMIA was founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Japec Jakopin, Tone Britovšek, Gregor Slapar, Zoran Tavčar, Matjaž Perenič, and Jurij Korenc, former President of SMIA and Director of Internautica:
“I am pleased to see SMIA reawakening its potential with a new team. This is an important project for Slovenia’s nautical industry, which needs a unified presence and a strong voice both domestically and abroad,” said Korenc.
Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives lie at the heart of SMIA’s new strategy.
“At SMIA, we are building an environment where members actively support each other, share business opportunities, valuable insights, and practical experience. Often, a single key piece of information – shared at the right moment – can significantly impact the success of a project or business.
SMIA aims to be a platform where such strategic insights circulate, gain value, and generate results. Today the association has 21 members, and we expect this number to double in 2025 as more companies express interest in SMIA’s joint activities,” emphasized Fiorenzo Lupieri, Director of the Revitalisation Project.
SMIA warmly invites all stakeholders in the sector – equipment manufacturers, shipbuilders, service providers, tourism and logistics operators – to join the association.
Membership provides access to national and international networks, participation in EU projects, joint exhibition opportunities, and support for business growth and visibility.
More information on membership and activities: www.smia.si
Fiorenzo Lupieri
Director of the SMIA Revitalisation Project
