The Palma International Boat Show closed the doors proofing reactivity of the yachting industry after the pandemic

The Palma International Boat Show closed its doors yesterday at the Moll Vell after four days of intense commercial activity and promotion of the nautical sector of the Balearic Islands. The fair said goodbye as an important proof for the reactivity of the yacthting industry since the beginning of the pandemic. It has been the first on-site boat show in Europe this year. The event was organised by the Institute for Business Innovation of the Balearic Islands (IDI), headed by the Ministry of Energy Transition, Productive Sectors and Democratic Memory, and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA).

More than 16.000 people visited the fair along the four days, without exceeding the capacity allowed by the COVID-19 protocol, and respecting all safety regulations to avoid contagion. The event was the setting for world presentations of new boat models from shipyards, which have once again relied on the Palma Boat Show as the stage for presenting their new products. As confirmed by exhibitors, purchases have been closed and commercial agreements have been reached that will materialise in the coming months.

The organisers are very positive about the Palma International Boat Show, as it has turned the Balearic Islands into the epicentre of international yachting, as well as repostioning the nautical sector, which is considered strategic for the Balearic economy. It should be borne in mind that, according to the latest figures, the sector has around 2,000 companies and 5,000 people affiliated to the Social Security system on the islands.

The Palma International Boat Show has had 227 exhibitors and more than 185 boats at sea, in a fairground of more than 80,000 square metres. This year’s edition recognised the maritime rescue work of the Red Cross of the Sea, on its 50th anniversary, and presented it with the Marcial Sánchez-Barcáiztegui award. In addition, the Association of Nautical Companies of the Balearic Islands (AENIB) also celebrated 35 years of history.

Balearic Yacht Show

One of the most outstanding new features of this year’s Palma International Boat Show was the collaboration with the virtual Balearic Yacht Show, organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca and the Balearic Marine Cluster. Holding the two events on the same dates has made it possible to have a hybrid fair.

The Balearic Yacht Show is very positive about this second edition, as for four days more than 50 industry professionals have discussed the future of sailing in presentations that will be available www.balearicmarine.org. The conferences dealt with topics such as the needs of the marine industry, the Balearic Islands as a nautical destination, job opportunities offered by companies, and sustainability.