Newsletter October 2025

The EU Commission is planning a VAT Package for Travel and Tourism with a focus on specific issues in VAT legislation and application with a focus on travel agents and passenger transports. EBI responded to the consultation focusing on the call for a level playing field in reduced VAT rates for on-water accommodation (marina, charter boats) compared to on-land (hotels, campsites). The full response can be found on the EBI website and EBI will continue…

Have your say on the future of the EU Recreational Craft Directive! The EU Commission with the support of the Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services (CSES) is evaluating the RCD with a targeted stakeholder survey open until 7 November.EBI encourages all actors in the industry to provide input on the functioning of the Directive and highlight the opportunities for improvement and simplification. EBI supports a future-proof revision that strengthens innovation, sustainability, simplification and competitiveness…

EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill had the pleasure of participating at the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference taking place in Venice in October. It was a great opportunity to meet members and the event was a testament to the industry in Europe and globally. EBI would like to express its sincere thanks to the organising team of Alberto Sonino and Roberto Perocchio, and the ICOMIA team Frank Hugelmeyer, Joe Lynch and Jonathan White. Furthermore, the Golden Cleat…

The Portuguese nautical sector association ACAP APICAN convened in the historic setting of the Real Edifício de Mafra, the first-ever Nautical Congress. The event brought together stakeholders from government, industry, associations and academia, with the objective of charting the future of the recreational boating and marine-leisure sector in Portugal. The programme covered topics such as administrative simplification, marina and port infrastructure, innovation and sustainability. Speakers included the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea,…