From October 25th to 29th, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) played host to the crème de la crème of the Italian yachting industry. For the 2023 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the Italian Trade Agency, in collaboration with Confindustria Nautica, facilitated a delegation of 21 companies showcasing their products across 24 spaces, totaling approximately 216 square meters.
A pivotal moment for Italy unfolded at FLIBS with the presentation of the record-breaking results achieved by the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show. These accomplishments set the stage for the eagerly anticipated 64th edition scheduled for September 19th to 24th, 2024.
Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, highlighted the triumph of the 63rd Genoa International Boat Show, citing a 13.9% increase in visitors, totaling 118,269. The global turnover of €7.33 billion in 2022, a 20% surge from the previous year, affirmed the industry's robust trajectory.
The strategic choice of the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach for this presentation underscored its significance in the heart of the U.S. yachting scene.
Italy continued to assert its dominance in the U.S. market, surpassing the 2021 export record by achieving $69 billion in business in 2022. The yachting sector played a pivotal role in this success. In 2022, Italian boat imports secured the second position with a remarkable +30% increase, reaching $575 million.
The final quarter, historically critical for U.S. purchases from Italy, is expected to sustain this growth trend. The numbers in 2023 indicate a robust +40% jump by July, promising further expansion.
Total spending on yachting in the U.S. reached $56.7 billion in 2021, with imports constituting $4.1 billion, marking a substantial 32.6% increase from 2021. Notably, Florida leads as the primary market with $494 million, followed by New York/New Jersey ($38 million) and Michigan ($11 million).
Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Director of the Italian Trade Agency - Miami Office, emphasized the two years of tireless effort to consolidate the Genoa International Boat Show's importance globally. He anticipates more success in 2024, with the completion of the Boat Show’s new venue designed by Renzo Piano.
Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association; Visit Lauderdale