Barcelona International Boat Show ends 56th edition on a high

The Barcelona International Boat Show ended its 56^th edition on a high note, in what has been termed by organizers as “one of the best editions of recent years.”

More than 56,000 visitors came, many from abroad, to discover the latest technological innovations within the nautical world.

A total of 275 exhibitors, 6% more than in 2016, exhibited more than 700 boats at the Moll d’Espanya, a pier in the centre of the city.

According to the president of the show, Luis Conde, this year there has been intense commercial activity at exhibitor’s stands, generating sales, contacts, and new operations. He also stated that 50% of the sector’s annual sales come from the boat show, mentioning the “important attendance of visitors with purchasing power.”

“The good results of this year consolidate the recovery of the event, which is in line with the positive trend of the Spanish nautical industry, which has grown by 9.23% from January to September of 2017,” Conde said, also thanking the “confidence of exhibitors and visitors in this annual event".

New technologies

New innovations and technologies have been a central theme at the event. The director of the Barcelona International Boat Show said “nautical technology is undoubtedly in full technological transformation and the competition has been a showcase of the latest trends in a sector that is committed to safer ships that are more comfortable and easier to navigate.”

A number of sustainable boats with hybrid engines have been showcased at the event, as well as nautical sports gadgets. New apps have also been revealed that would allow control of a ship via a smart phone or smart watch.