THE BOAT SHOW AS AN INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE FOR INNOVATION, LUXURY AND DESIGN
Genoa, 1 October 2026 – The boating industry takes on the challenge of global competitiveness at the 66th Genoa International Boat Show. In keeping with tradition, the flag-raising ceremony carried out by the Italian Coast Guard officially opened the international boating event. A sail-past by the Italian Navy ship Margottini accompanied by the Italian national anthem provided the backdrop to the ceremony.
Organised by Confindustria Nautica, the 66th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show opened with a celebration of tradition and the participation of institutions, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who cut the ribbon on the Blue Pavilion Terrace at the heart of the new Waterfront di Levante after touring the Boat Show’s quays. This was Meloni’s second official visit to the Genoa International Boat Show (the first was in 2023), a presence that further underlines the importance and contribution of the boating industry to the Italian economy.
Welcoming guests was the President of Confindustria Nautica – Italian Marine Industry Association, Piero Formenti, who, following the ribbon-cutting and the Prime Minister’s departure, welcomed everyone to the 66th edition of the Boat Show, highlighting its value and international importance: “The 66th Genoa International Boat Show is an event of global resonance, an event that goes above and beyond its commercial role to serve as a true showcase for Italy and its excellence. The Boat Show is not a one-way street: while our industry opens up to the world, the world looks to Italy through this extraordinary window“.
Following greetings from the President of Confindustria Nautica, the stage was taken by Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region, who emphasised how boating today represents not only excellence associated with the sea, but also one of the most significant expressions of the Made in Italy brand: “The Genoa Boat Show represents technology, expertise, creative genius, innovation, design and, above all, passion. We must never forget our great passion for the sea and for these objects, which express our creativity and the way we Italians present ourselves to the world through Made in Italy excellence. As the Municipality of Genoa and the Liguria Region, we have always invested in this Boat Show and all its aspects to ensure that it is the world’s number one industry event.”
Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, highlighted in her address the Boat Show’s role as a defining feature of the city and its international identity: “The Genoa International Boat Show is a distinctive brand for Genoa around the world, one of which the city is proud. Today, Genoa is rebuilding its relationship with the sea through a new vision for the port and the environment. The figures for this edition confirm continued growth: over 1,000 boats, 215 brand-new products on display and 200,000 square metres of exhibition space. The Genoa Boat Show embodies aesthetics, innovation, luxury and design, but we want its energy to reach the whole city. Thanks to Confindustria Nautica, the Palasport Pavilion is becoming an open, free-admission space where citizens can share in the spirit of the Show. We will invest increasingly in the “Fuori Salone” programme, engaging a wider audience, including younger generations. For centuries, Genoa was a major commercial and international power: routes that changed the world began here. Today, the Genoa International Boat Show represents that same international spirit. We want to protect it and help it grow further.”
Also speaking was Licia Ronzulli, Vice-President of the Italian Senate, who highlighted the excellence of the Italian boating sector, its strategic role in the national economy and the policies implemented to consolidate its leadership and address future challenges, focusing on the Genoa International Boat Show as a showcase for these capabilities. “Italian boating is not a niche sector for the few, but a strategic industry capable of generating wealth, employment, innovation and, above all, an international reputation. Every boat designed in Italy brings more than a product to the world: it brings a piece of our identity, our ability to design and create value. The meeting of industrial tradition, innovation and research produces the combination that makes Made in Italy quality recognisable and sought after around the world.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony was Lorenzo Galanti, Director-General of the Italian Trade Agency, who emphasised the strategic role of Italian boating and the Agency’s commitment to promoting it in international markets: “The Italian boating sector generates annual turnover of over €10 billion and maintains a prominent position worldwide, thanks to innovation, design, technology and customisation capabilities. To strengthen its international visibility, we have doubled the number of foreign buyers and journalists invited to the Boat Show, reaching 185 attendees. The Show is a launch platform for content, creativity and innovation, with increasingly global visibility.”
Matteo Paroli, President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, highlighted the leadership of Italian boating, with 1,068 orders worldwide for large vessels, of which 568 are built in Italy. “We want to make a tangible contribution to strengthening excellence across boating over the coming decades, a sector with turnover of 13 billion and 170,000 employees. As the Port Authority, we stand alongside businesses and are working to increase the space dedicated to recreational boating, shipbuilding and ship repair, creating the conditions for the Genoa International Boat Show to become a leading event worldwide.”
The opening ceremony hosted a conference entitled “Industry, Innovation, Institutions: charting a common course for the yachting sector”, moderated by Sebastiano Barisoni, Deputy Director of Radio 24. A discussion of the core themes of yachting between Adolfo Urso, Minister for Business and Made in Italy, Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria – General Confederation of Italian Industry, and Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica.
The focus was on boating as a strategic driver of growth for Made in Italy, with the aim of turning the period of international uncertainty into new opportunities for businesses and the supply chain. The discussion highlighted the need for institutions and companies to work together, strengthen competitiveness in foreign markets and create more favourable conditions for investment, from energy to innovation. Alongside the growth in large-yacht building, particular attention was paid to the small-boat segment and the supplier network, with specific requests concerning leasing, taxation and regulatory simplification.
Italy’s Minister for Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, highlighted the growth of the industry and its exports, including to the United States: “It is important that the country is united on maritime matters. It is a success today and represents our future. In a world that is becoming more challenging, Italian exports are growing, bucking the trend in other countries. Both boatbuilding and the boating components sector have grown.” The Minister then described boating as an “emblem of Made in Italy“, recalling the role of technology, quality and excellence, and Fincantieri’s investment in Genoa’s underwater hub.
The President of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, raised the issue of the conditions needed to make European businesses more competitive: “Think what we could do if we had the enabling conditions in Europe to build, conditions that would allow us to compete with continents that are not subject to the same rules as we are”. The President of Confindustria drew particular attention to energy and investment, adding: “Artificial intelligence will be like electricity: the fourth industrial revolution. Today, we must focus on small businesses and the use of AI“.
The President of Confindustria Nautica, Piero Formenti, brought the discussion back to the practical needs of the boating supply chain, particularly the smaller end of the industry: “Our aim is to turn this very difficult period, especially for the small boat segment, marked by a wait-and-see approach arising from the uncertainty generated by geopolitical tensions, into choices and decisions“. Hence the call for greater collaboration: “We must work together. We need a collective response. We need all institutions to cooperate“, with measures on nautical leasing, tourism VAT and regulation to strengthen competitiveness against European competitors.
Also delivering greetings at the opening ceremony of the 66th Genoa International Boat Show were Flavio Biaggi, Commander of the Italian Navy’s Northern Maritime Interregional Command, Sergio Liardo, Commandant General of the Italian Coast Guard, Giuseppe Arbore, Chief the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza.
Flavio Biaggi, Commander of the Italian Navy’s Northern Maritime Interregional Command, emphasised in his address how the Genoa International Boat Show is a prestigious national point of reference, as well as a place where maritime tradition meets innovation, research and the visions shaping the future of Italy’s maritime sector. He then commented: “Innovation increasingly stems from the ability to work together: connecting experience, scientific expertise, industrial capability and operational needs, seeking shared solutions that strengthen both the country’s security and the competitiveness of Made in Italy. For a deeply maritime nation such as Italy, protecting the sea today means protecting the connections that link it to the world. It means helping to ensure the continuity of flows and infrastructure, freedom of navigation and, ultimately, the prosperity of the country as a whole.”
Sergio Liardo, Commandant General of the Italian Coast Guard: “We are considering initiatives aimed at pupils in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools to develop greater awareness of the risks at sea and encourage them to respect the rules, avoiding the risk of putting themselves and others in danger“.
Giuseppe Arbore, Chief of the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza: “Boating is an expression of Made in Italy that must be protected. We believe in a partnership between our role and that of industry: we have a duty to coordinate our activities with other police forces, port authorities and the judiciary, creating a connection between what happens at sea and what happens on land. There is no break in continuity. What is needed is collaboration and complementarity“.
The ceremony also included a deeply moving tribute to the recently deceased photographer Carlo Borlenghi: an emotional video featuring some of the images that made him famous in the boating and competitive sailing worlds.
Finally, Minister Urso and the Undersecretary of State with responsibility for Philately Fausta Bergamotto were present for the issue of the stamp in the “Excellence of the Italian Production System and Made in Italy” series dedicated to the Genoa International Boat Show, recognising the event as a key part of the fabric of the country’s manufacturing excellence.
Finally, Minister Urso and the Undersecretary of State with responsibility for Philately Fausta Bergamotto were present for the issue of the stamp in the “Excellence of the Italian Production System and Made in Italy” series dedicated to the Genoa International Boat Show, recognising the event as a key part of the fabric of the country’s manufacturing excellence.
Organised by Confindustria Nautica, the 66th Genoa International Boat Show (1-6 October) brings together the entire Italian and international boating industry supply chain: over 1,000 boats, 215 new products, 45 countries represented from 5 continents and an in-water layout that has grown by 4% since last year.
