Membership

Merchants, Businesses and consumers, in and outside of downtown, regularly have questions, suggestions, complaints or comments concerning the downtown. They do not always know the right ways of delivering them to the government or other entities in charge, as they may not have the right contacts. The DMO has all of these and uses them on behalf of the entire town center for the benefit of the businesses involved, the public at large and the visitor to our beautiful downtown.

The DMO has a strong voice because she speaks on behalf of most of the merchants in Punda and is recognized as the only representation of the merchants in the city center by the government.
Solutions are sometimes hard to find and we do not imply to have them all. We will be there whenever you need help. The odds of getting things done will increase as soon as you join us!

Services for DMO members

Following are some of the services for DMO members:

• Professional & Qualified staff in the DMO office.
• Free advice and assistance if possible in all matters improving display, merchandising etc. of member stores.
• Organizing and/or coordinating Merchant Development & Marketing Programs at a minimum fee such as the Punda Quality Establishments.
• Manage four parking lots in Punda (Marichi Parking, Pietermaai Parking, DeRuyterkade Parking & Plasa Mundo Merced-Waaigat).
• On behalf of the government, we take care of the management of the inner city with the net income out of three paid parking lots. We use that money solely for the maintenance of Punda according to a management agreement.
• Provide low cost and safe parking.
• Insure safety in Punda and on Waaigat Parking through Securitas Antias.
• Manage public toilets at the Handelskade.
• Coordinate with government and financial institutions for, amongst other, low interest refurbishing funds.
• Representation in tourism campaigns and programs.
• Up to date information on problems in Punda and what is being done.
• Help in solving acute problems such as trash, telephone and power failures, overflows etc.
• Information channel, for example: cruise information.
• Mediation in applying for permits or exemptions.
• Seek and secure attractive discounts in all areas.
• Provide for the public relations of the entire town center through our contacts with the media.
• Represent Punda in relevant committees with the Public & Private Sector.
• Coordinate operations in the inner city with the Police, FMA, Selikor and others.
• Develop city beautification programs.
• Stimulate livable surroundings.
• Organize Forums & Conferences on Downtown Development
• Organize Events such as the End of the Year Campaign & Shopping Nights
• Create in cooperating with the ‘Horeca’ an inviting inner city also during the evening hours.
• Maintain & foster international contacts on Downtown business.
• Cater as much as possible to individual membership needs.