The Barcelona International Boat Show will return to Port Vell from 14 to 18 October with an edition that aims to establish itself as the most ambitious in its recent history. Organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the National Association of Nautical Companies, the event will bring together a wide range of boats of all sizes, from sports models to large yachts, presented by national and international firms.
Spread across three quays—Fusta, España and Marina Port Vell—the show will organise its offerings according to the type of vessel. Whilst the Fusta quay will host large motor yachts and sports boats alongside specialised equipment, the other two areas will focus on sailing yachts and catamarans, as well as the Village, designed as a social and professional meeting point.
Among the main new features of this edition is the inclusion of a sea trial area, designed to offer potential buyers a hands-on experience with the boats. This space will allow aspects such as manoeuvrability and performance to be assessed whilst underway, providing added value to aid the purchasing decision.
The event is also expanding its scope with the creation of new themed areas linked to water-based leisure. An indoor pavilion on the Fusta quay will house the ‘Marinas & Harbour Facilities’ area, focusing on the strategic role of marinas, and the ‘Diving, Shopping & Water Sports’ area, dedicated to scuba diving, water sports and the maritime lifestyle.
As Luis Conde pointed out, the upcoming edition is presented as “a key event for the sector, an essential meeting point for companies and buyers in the final stretch of the year”. Along the same lines, Jordi Carrasco emphasised the importance of the show as a platform for boosting business and strengthening the positioning of recreational boating both nationally and internationally.
For his part, Josep Antoni Llopart highlighted the event’s evolution towards a more experiential model, with content and itineraries tailored to visitors’ new demands.
In addition to its exhibition component, the show will feature a professional programme focused on innovation and sustainability, two key areas shaping the sector’s current development. With this expanded programme, Barcelona reaffirms its role as one of Europe’s leading venues for recreational boating and maritime tourism.
