Hosted by Port Vell, the recently concluded Barcelona International Boat Show has far exceeded initial expectations, conditioned by the difficulties derived from the economic crisis as well as the sector’s specific problems. The event has contributed to boosting commercial activity in the nautical market, promoting new sales and trade contacts. The fact that the event, which showcased important new products, coincided with the Mercè Fiesta and the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta, again turned Barcelona into the nautical capital.
Barcelona International Boat Show 2013
In its 52nd edition the Barcelona Boat Show, the most important in Spain and one of the most relevant in Europe, has generated business and numerous contacts. “The majority of exhibitors have given a positive assessment of their participation, expecting to close many of the operations developed in the coming months”, stated the President of the Boat Show, Luis Conde, after pointing out “we have also attracted a good number of foreign visitors, mainly French, English, German and Russian, with high purchasing power, one of this year’s main objectives to counteract the lethargy of the domestic market”.
Just a few hours before its close, 53,000 people have passed through the event, a figure that the show’s Director Jordi Freixas, ranked positively “since it demonstrates the high degree of visitor loyalty, whether professionals, enthusiasts or general public”. The show, in which 236 exhibitors have participated, has very successfully ratified its twin nature: as a major commercial showcase and a meeting forum for the nautical sports and recreation sector in Spain. One of this year’s main activities was the seminar on nautical charters, organised by the Asociación Nacional de Empresas Náuticas, ANEN, with the show’s collaboration.
According to the participants in this seminar- including experts on maritime law, representatives from nautical-sports facilities and heads of service companies linked to nautical charters -, the exemption of registration tax for nautical charters, currently undergoing the legislative process for its entry into force at the end of October, generated great expectations in all sub segments that make up the industrial and business sector of Spanish nautical recreation, since it will increase competitiveness and generate employment.
Another topic debated at the show is the new regulations on nautical titles. On this subject, the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Rafael Rodríguez Valero, said that they would be simplified and matched to those in other countries.
In addition to these side events for professionals, the show also organised a full programme for the general public with the aim of increasing interest in nautical activities. For this purpose, the organisers set up the usual Fun Beach Area, where visitors have been able to get started in nautical sports and learn the basic notions of sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle surfing. Another activity was the night time boat parade and a radio-controlled sail boat regatta.
Presence of personalities
The Boat Show was opened by the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, and was visited by the President of the Catalan Generalitat, Artur Mas; the Minister for Development, Ana Pastor; the State Secretary for Infrastructures, Transport and Housing, Rafael Catalá; the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias; the Catalan Generalitat’s Councillor for Territory and Sustainability, Santi Vila; and the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Rafael Rodríguez Valero, among others. Conde stated that “the show’s organisers have encouraged the presence of leading personalities from different administrations, who have been able to gauge the concerns and needs of the sector”.
Organised by Fira de Barcelona with the collaboration of ANEN, the Boat Show is the only one in Spain that is recognised by the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO).
