The 60^th Genoa International Boat Show took place from 1 to 6 October, with 200 000 square metres of outdoor exhibitions and 71 168 visitors. Among the various events that were held throughout the show’s duration, EBI was delighted to participate in the Boating Economic Forecast. At the event, the latest data for the Italian industry were presented, including a survey of the Italian nautical sector carried out by Confindustria Nautica’s Market Analysis Department. Figures shared at the event include the fact that Italy’s boating market was second in the world for exports in 2019, and that 8 in 10 boating companies in Italy expect 2021 to be a year of revenue stability or growth.

This was followed by a panel discussion in which EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill participated, pointing out that the impact of the COVID-19 crisis during the season was less negative than expected, and that there has been an increasing interest in recreational boating activities, not least from new users. The impact will become clearer in the next months, but largely depends on the specific region and sub-sector of the industry, with tourism sectors being more affected. Other speakers included Saverio Cecchi (President of Confindustria Nautica), Carlo Mescieri (President of the Italian Leasing Association), Marco Fortis (Vice President of the Edison Foundation), Francesco Tilli (Chief External Relations Officer for SIMEST), with Stefano Pagani Isnardi (Managing Director of the Confindustria Nautica’s Market Analysis Department) as event moderator and presenting the Italian data.