66th Genoa International Boat Show: business confidence, expanded exhibition space and new market opportunities

From 1 to 6 October, the 66^th Genoa International Boat Show is set to offer the world of yachting an expanded exhibition space, reaffirming its core identity as a global platform in support of the yachting industry, guiding the sector's decisions and standing by it in times of uncertainty.

With two months to go before the 66^th Genoa International Boat Show officially kicks off, scheduled to take place from 1 to 6 October, and despite the market being affected by the current international geopolitical context, exhibitors are reaffirming their confidence in the event's return to its traditional slot in the trade fair calendar, consolidating the Genoa International Boat Show's role as the leading platform for the yachting industry. The event will see an even greater display of major players in the international yachting sector taking part this year, demonstrating a growing commitment to the industry and Genoa as an essential international showcase, as well as a shift towards new spaces dedicated to innovative experiences and new audiences.

The Waterfront di Levante and new Palasport Pavilion: spaces evolving

Among the most notable features of this year's event are the completion of the Waterfront di Levante construction and the opening of the new Palasport Pavilion, now fully operational with a total of 74 retail outlets open and an entire floor dedicated to food and drink. An indoor sports arena throughout the year, the vast new location will host initiatives designed to bring together innovation, maritime culture, institutions, professional training opportunities and yachting: a project conceived as an open space accessible to the public, capable of broadening the yachting industry's narrative beyond the traditional exhibition format.

Yachts over 24 metres on display reaffirm Made in Italy's global leadership

The increasing presence of yachts measuring over 24 metres is a significant data point, confirming the segment's positive momentum, companies' confidence in the Genoa International Boat Show, and the leadership of the "Made in Italy" brand. The return to the event's traditional slot in the trade event calendar in October has also helped to reinforce the Show's appeal as the leading international event for this segment.

An event that drives the yachting industry

The Genoa International Boat Show has always served to support the industry, to guide it and drive its development, sustaining it in times of uncertainty. It is in this role that the event finds its most authentic identity. In the words of Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica - the Italian Marine Industry Association and organising body of the event:

"The Genoa International Boat Show is, first and foremost, a tool at the service of the yachting industry. The decision to return to the October slot stems from listening to businesses and a desire to meet the market's needs within a timeframe more in line with the sector's dynamics. Today we are seeing a positive response from industry operators, confirming their confidence in the Boat Show and in the path we have taken, despite the international geopolitical situation affecting primarily the small and medium-sized yachting sector, which is the driving force behind the Show. Our aim is not simply to organise a successful event, but to ensure the Genoa International Boat Show is able to support the yachting industry's competitiveness, foster international dialogue and create value for businesses and for the country." - Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica - Italian Marine Industry Association.

The performance of the yachting market continues to be affected by an international climate shaped by external factors that are impacting business and consumer confidence. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, recently exacerbated by the latest escalation in the Middle East, are compounded by uncertainties linked to trade policy and tariffs imposed by the United States. Following a start to the year that had shown signs of recovery, this context has fuelled a climate of uncertainty that is affecting small and medium-sized yachting businesses in particular, while the large yacht segment continues to perform positively. The sector is also weighed down by the persistent rise in costs of raw materials and components, a phenomenon that is squeezing companies' margins. The outlook remains positive for nautical tourism and yacht charter, on the other hand, confirming that demand for experiences at sea remains strong.

A programme packed with events

This year's programme, with events focused on international business, innovation, sustainability, design and professional training, has also been expanded. These include the second edition of TechTrade Days 2026, the B2B opportunity dedicated to boating equipment, accessories and components that features over 400 brands, and initiatives aimed at younger visitors and new enthusiasts; following last year's success, the dedicated Under 25 ticket will also be back.

Among the events already scheduled: on Wednesday 30 September, the presentation of the new edition of La Nautica in Cifre (Boating in Figures), the only recognised statistical report in the industry, produced by Confindustria Nautica's Research Department in partnership with Fondazione Edison; on Thursday 1 October, the opening ceremony of the 66^th Genoa International Boat Show, attended by representatives of the Italian Government and various institutions; on Friday 2 October, the awards ceremony for the seventh edition of the Design Innovation Award, the prize established by Confindustria Nautica and I Saloni Nautici in 2020 to support excellence across the yachting industry and promote innovation, and, on the same day, the World Yachting Sustainability Forum, now in its fifth edition, dedicated to the most pressing topics of sustainability, innovation and competitiveness in the sector. The 2026 edition reaffirms its international focus and its role as a leading platform for the entire supply chain, with a packed programme of institutional, economic and cultural events running throughout the exhibition, engaging directly with exhibitors, the press and the public.

Sport takes centre stage, from world sailing to the America's Cup

Sport will also take centre stage in Genoa this year, with a spotlight on the America's Cup. Following last year's signing of the agreement appointing Confindustria Nautica as the Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner for the 38^th Louis Vuitton America's Cup, the partnership with the event organisers continues into this edition. The Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), class associations, representatives of other world-class events and renowned athletes will also be joining the 66^th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show.

New transport links and road network

Travel options to the city of Genoa are expanding, thanks in part to the services offered by the new airline Aeroitalia, which has launched numerous flights to the Ligurian capital from southern Italy, specifically from Cagliari, Rome Fiumicino, Catania, Comiso-Ragusa and Salerno. Connections will also be improved by the suspension of major motorway works in Liguria, which is due to remain in effect until the end of the Genoa International Boat Show

Details of the many new features planned for this year's event and the full programme of events will be officially unveiled during the press conference to launch the 66^th Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled to take place on 15 September at the Fondazione Edison headquarters in Milan.