Record numbers make Genoa a giant

Med’s biggest show claim

Genoa Boat Show pulled in a record number of visitors to pronounce itself the biggest and most popular boat show in the Mediterranean.

The 1,000 boats on display were pored over by more than 126,000 visitors, a rise of 9.2% on last year and more than the number of visitors to the Cannes boat show.

The list of 800 exhibitors included Sunseeker and Fairline but not Azimut or Ferretti due to an ongoing standoff between these yards and UCINA, the show’s organising body.

“The 17.1% growth in the boating industry overall turnover, announced a few days before opening, undoubtedly attracted many visitors and operators,” said UCINA president Carla Demaria.

“Foreign exhibitors were back this year because of the recovery in the Italian domestic market that involves all product categories,” she added.

Carlo Maria Piatti of Fairline, who displayed three boats, said, “Fairline has a long history at the Genoa Boat Show and even in ‘dark’ years, we did our best to have boats on display in the water for our Italian customers.”

Sunseeker’s Jean-marc Zubovic reported ‘interesting connections’ and several post-show appointments. “I’m happy with the wonderful weather and the very pleasant atmosphere. I think 2017 should be held again in September – perfect timing after Cannes and before Monaco.”