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 between 8 to 15%, with over 8 billion euros in turnover and more than 4 billion euros in exports. Furthermore, 90% of our boats are exported.”
The press conference to present the 64th Genoa International Boat Show at the Palazzo Meridiana, built between 1536 and 1545.
The leadership of “Made in Italy”
“The 64th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show is poised to be a moment of affirmation and consolidation. The current international macroeconomic landscape presents a dual scenario of political-military tensions and anticipated interest rate cuts; however, this has not negatively influenced the positive trend that the sector has been enjoying for several years,” stated Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici, the organizing company of the Boat Show. “The strength of ‘Made in Italy’ yachting globally has remained robust for over twenty years. In 2023, Italian superyachts’ global production leadership saw a 21% increase compared to the previous year, accounting for 51% of global orders: one in every two boats in the world’s waters is Made in Italy.”
A glimpse of the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show.
Record numbers
This year, the Genoa International Boat Show will also showcase the iconic indoor sports arena, known as Genoa’s Palasport, a symbolic building that has been restored 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 totaling 1,052 brands and 1,030 boats—, the Show still has room for further expansion. Some areas have been deliberately kept free to avoid interference with the ongoing Waterfront di Levante project, ensuring visitors experience a sense of continuity throughout the exhibition. The layout provides a unique and engaging visiting experience along a cohesive exhibition route. Altogether, there are 220,000 square meters of exhibition space split between land and water, with 85% of areas outdoors: 5,000 square meters more than in 2023. The number of international exhibitors is also rising: in the production segment alone, there has been an increase of 23, along with more than 100 new products being showcased, 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 packed with insightful conferences and discussions. To highlight a few, there will be the eagerly awaited Boating Economic Forecast with the latest market data updates presented by 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 to celebrate Marconi’s 150th anniversary; and the European Boating roundtable, organized in cooperation with EBI, the European Boating Federation, bringing together European Commission representatives, members of the European Parliament, and entrepreneurs from the yachting sector to discuss 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 showcased in the third edition of the Shaping The Future – World Yachting Sustainability Forum, organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association in collaboration with IBI – International Boat Industry.
Lastly, at the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show, the awards for the fifth edition of the Design Innovation Award will be presented. The Design Innovation Award was established by Confindustria Nautica and the Genoa Boat Show to recognize excellence in nautical design and to reward products that embody the best in technological and stylistic innovation.
The cover of the “Boating Economic Forecast” for the year 2022 presented at the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show.
A solidarity Boat Show
Last but not least, continuing with its focus on social sustainability and healthcare, this year’s Genoa Boat Show, in collaboration with the Italian Marine Industry Association, aims to support the Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital, one of the most prominent pediatric hospitals globally in terms of treatment and research. Thanks to the partnership established with the Gaslini Foundation, visitors purchasing e-tickets for the Boat Show will contribute to fundraising efforts to provide a neonatal ventilator system to the Children’s Hospital.
Emilio Martinelli