Palma International Boat Show broadens its horizons with a new exhibition area to meet growing demand in this industry

The Palma International Boat Show opens the Mediterranean nautical season once again this year and it does so with a new area to respond to the great business demand for the nautical event. Thus, this edition, which will take place from 30th April to 3rd May, will present two different exhibition areas connected by sea thanks to the addition of a new area of 5,000 square metres located in the Club de Mar. For years the organisers had been looking for alternatives to expand the exhibition centre and be able to accommodate more companies and boats that requested to participate in the Palma Boat Show, organised by the Regional Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy, through the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands (ADR Balears), and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA).

The new area of the Club de Mar will provide a space for boats between 40 and 100 metres in length, mainly sailboats, from single-model shipyards. On land, there will be an exhibition area with service and equipment companies for this type of yacht, such as repair and maintenance industries, naval engineering, naval construction and interior design, etc. This growth represents a quantitative leap, but above all a qualitative leap in the offering of the Palma Boat Show, which will become the world’s leading event for superyachts. The two exhibition areas, El Moll Vell and Club de Mar, will be connected by sea via shuttles that will link the two zones in a journey of about five minutes.

It is worth remembering that the Palma International Boat Show has been running for more than forty years. With an average of 30,000 visitors a year and the participation of more than 280 companies, it has become an indispensable tool for boosting an economic sector that is essential for the productive fabric of our community, as well as for the economy in general. According to a study carried out by the Government of the Balearic Islands, last year the fair generated an economic impact of 20.1 million euros. The impact study certifies that PIBS improves tourism by one month of the low season, favouring de-seasonalisation and increasing the flow of national and international tourists and boosting income for hotels, restaurants, transport and shops. It also improves local consumption, as resident attendees generate a direct impact on tickets, food and services related to the event. Likewise, the fair has consolidated its position as a major regional showcase with international impact that positions the Islands’ nautical sector at the top of the Mediterranean.