A series of positive indicators for the 64th Genoa International Boat Show (19-24 September) were highlighted by Saverio Cecchi, president of Confindustria Nautica, during the press conference held on 2 September at the historic Palazzo Meridiana in Genoa: “The health of our sector is reflected in the numbers. In 2023, we expect growth of 8 to 15%, with over 8 billion euros in revenue, and we will surpass 4 billion euros in exports. Additionally, 90% of our boats are exported.”
The press conference for the 64th Genoa International Boat Show, held in Palazzo Meridiana, built between 1536 and 1545.
The leadership of “Made in Italy”
“The 64th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show is set to be a moment of affirmation and consolidation. The international macroeconomic scenario presents a dual narrative, with political-military tensions and anticipated interest rate cuts, yet it seems not to have impacted the positive trend that has characterized the sector for several years,” stated Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici, the organizing company for the Boat Show. “The leadership of ‘Made in Italy’ in yachting globally has remained strong for over twenty years. In 2023, Italian superyachts captured global production leadership with a +21% increase compared to the previous year, accounting for 51% of global orders: one out of every two boats in the world’s seas is Made in Italy.”
A glimpse of the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show.
Record numbers
This year, the Genoa International Boat Show will showcase the iconic indoor sports arena, known as Genoa’s Palasport, a symbolic structure that has been revitalized and is now central to the Show, featuring a redesign by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Having long surpassed the threshold of one thousand brands and boats on display—this year featuring 1,052 brands and 1,030 boats, respectively—and with potential for further expansion, the show has maintained a selection of spaces free to avoid interference with the final touches on the larger Waterfront di Levante project. This will ensure visitors enjoy a greater sense of continuity throughout the event. In total, there will be 220 thousand square meters of exhibition space, both on land and water, with 85% of the areas outdoors—5,000 square meters more than in 2023. The number of foreign exhibitors is also increasing: in the production segment alone, the number has risen by 23, and there are over 100 new products on display, including 30 premieres. Online ticket sales have also increased by 16% compared to the same date last year.
The pavilion and docks of Sailing World.
A Boat Show full of events
The events calendar is filled with insightful conferences and discussions. Notable events include the highly anticipated Boating Economic Forecast featuring the latest market data updates from the Italian Marine Industry Association’s Market Intelligence and Research department in collaboration with the Edison Foundation; an event organized by the Leonardo Foundation and the Ansaldo Foundation for the 150th anniversary of Marconi; the European Boating Roundtable, organized in partnership with EBI, the European Boating Federation, which will bring together representatives from the European Commission, members of the European Parliament, and entrepreneurs from the yachting industry to debate sustainability with a focus on nautical tourism. The Genoa International Boat Show and the Italian Marine Industry Association’s commitment to a sustainable future will also be highlighted in the third edition of the Shaping The Future – World Yachting Sustainability Forum, organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association in cooperation with IBI – International Boat Industry.
Additionally, at the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show, the fifth edition of the Design Innovation Award will be presented. The Design Innovation Award, established by Confindustria Nautica and the Genoa Boat Show, aims to promote excellence in nautical design and to recognize products that exemplify the best in technological and stylistic innovation.
Last but not least, with a continued focus on social sustainability and social healthcare, this year the Genoa Boat Show and the Italian Marine Industry Association will support the Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital, one of the most important pediatric hospitals globally for treatment and research. Through cooperation with the Gaslini Foundation, visitors can contribute to fundraising efforts by simply purchasing e-tickets for the Boat Show, aiming to donate a neonatal ventilator system to the Children’s Hospital.