The 54th Barcelona International Boat Show saw an increase in business activity and attendance at the five-day event, which ran from Oct. 12-16.
The show had more than 260 exhibitors and about 670 boats in the water and on shore, organizers said, adding that the increased offering was a clear sign of improved prospects for the competitive and recreational boating sector in Spain.
“This year, there has been a clear uptick in activity at the stands, with more visits by buyers, more estimates requested and new contacts that could lead to sales in forthcoming months,” show president Luis Conde said in a statement. “The boat show once again provides an accurate reflection of the current status of the sector which, with a 10.5 percent growth in registrations during the first nine months of 2015, seems to be following a positive growth path.”
“This year, there have been more new products than in recent years — up to 130 between new boat models, engines and electronic accessories — reaffirming the show as the leading business and trend-setting platform for the Spanish boating industry,” event manager Jordi Freixas said.
Freixas also said “it has been one of the most festive and participative editions, with the public taking part enthusiastically in the activities that have been organized. The Boating Night was particularly popular; in addition to live music, gourmet tastings and fashion shows, for the first time, swimmers escorted by kayaks crossed the harbor at night.”
